“Everything is connected”
The year 2020 marks the fifth anniversary of the publication of ‘Laudato Si’. At this time, Catholic communities throughout the world and all believers are invited to celebrate “‘Laudato Si’ week” from May 16 to 24, 2020.
Sr. Anne-Marie Mabon
Delegated by the General Council for Justice/Peace/Environment
SEGONZAC, June 10, 2020
C1, 2020
Justice/Peace/Environment
Subject: at the request of Pope Francis, celebrate the Encyclical Laudato Si.
My dear Sisters,
The year 2020 marks the fifth anniversary of the publication of ‘Laudato Si’. At this time, Catholic communities throughout the world and all believers are invited to celebrate “’Laudato Si’ week” from May 16 to 24, 2020.
Why should there be a ‘Laudato Si’ week?
In a video, Pope Francis insists, “I renew my urgent call. Take care of creation. The cry of the Earth and the cry of the poor cannot continue any longer. Let’s celebrate ‘Laudato Si’ week together”. See https://laudatosiweek.org/
Since the publication of this revolutionary text, Catholic communities throughout the world have taken concrete measures, but we need to continue to unite as one people and work hand in hand: sincerely evaluate past efforts and redouble our dynamism for immediate and global action.
We are ending a period of lockdown during which our activities, relationships and our lives have been turned upside down. Our world is very much affected by the coronavirus pandemic. ‘Laudato Si’ tells us “that everything is connected”, and that this health catastrophe has a lot in common with the ecological catastrophe. These are two world emergencies that concern the future of all humanity. The Encyclical can guide us in reflecting on the kind of world that will exist once the pandemic is over. How can humanity be redefined at the end of the pandemic, how can it start from zero, to build a better world so that it is more human and fraternal than before?
What to do?
Listen to Francis: “You are all called… Find an activity that works best for your community, it will be your ‘Laudato Si’ activity”.
In the South, as in the North, we are living difficult times and this subject may seem secondary. To answer the call I propose that during the year 2020, during an SSCJ meeting, each entity that wishes, could plant a tree, your ‘Laudato si’ tree”.
May the Holy Spirit help us discern in prayer what lessons can be learned from this crisis. That he puts an end to the pandemic!
Together, wherever we are, take care of ourselves and our environment. Be “Sowers of hope”!
“Oh Lord, send your Spirit and renew the face of the earth!”
Sr. Anne-Marie Mabon
Delegated by the General Council
For Justice/Peace/Environment.