Each month follows the next: month of Creation, month of the Mission and the Rosary, and month of the World Synod in Rome, … since the origins of the world.
We are still in the Time for Creation, surprised and delighted by the number of events celebrated all over the planet by our brothers and sisters for our common home. Every day, testimonies are published on our social networks, from the Philippines to Pakistan, Brazil, Argentina, Australia, … initiatives are springing up …
– The prayer campaign for political leaders on the road to COP 28 hit the streets of New York during the March to End Fossil Fuels on September 17, ahead of the UN Climate Ambition Summit. Meanwhile, in France, Christians prayed outside the National Assembly to call for climate justice.
– In Wirral, UK, people made a pilgrimage for the planet, reflected on lifestyles and water use, and prayed for the West African Oil Pipeline (EACOP). Etc…
Last August, receiving a group of lawyers from the member countries of the Council of Europe, the Holy Father announced that “I am preparing a second ‘Laudato Si’ to update current problems”. The publication of this “sequel” to ‘Laudato Si’ comes just under two months before the COP28 meeting in Dubai, United Arab Emirates. For Francis, the environmental crisis is inseparable from a human crisis: to see creation as a reality to be protected, a sacred gift from the Creator. He challenges us: “as disciples of Christ in our common synodal journey, may we live, work and pray so that our common home may once again abound with life”. VATICAN NEWS August 30, 2023
According to a recent “Let’s talk climate” survey on the relationship between Catholics and ecology, published on June 23, 2023, 56% of “practicing Catholics” have not heard of ‘Laudato Si’.
For those interested, from October 4, feast of Saint Francis of Assisi, patron saint of ecology, “Laudate Deum”: On the climate crisis, for all people of good will will be available on the Vatican page and the “Laudate Deum” website. To facilitate reading, resources (video, infographics) will also be available for download, use and sharing.
Almighty God,
You are present in all the universe and in the smallest of your creatures,
You embrace with your tenderness all that exists,
Shower us with the power of your love, to protect life and beauty.
Fill us with Peace, that we may live as brothers and sisters, causing harm to no one.
God of the poor, help us to save the abandon
ed and forgotten of this earth, so precious to you.
Sister Anne-Marie Mabon, SSCJ “Justice, Peace and Integrity of Creation”