Tenth Anniversary of the Encyclical, “Laudato Si” 

Laudato Si Week is May 24-31. Our beloved Pope Francis published this encyclical in 2015. It’s subtitled, Care for our Common Home, and is the most comprehensive Vatican document to date on environmentalism, ethics, and Christian faith. The document is intended for all people, not just Catholics or Christians. 

The title is taken from the first line of the encyclical, "Laudato si', mi Signore," or “Praise be to you, my Lord.”  In the words of this beautiful canticle, Saint Francis of Assisi reminds us that our common home is like a sister with whom we share our life and a beautiful mother who opens her arms to embrace us. For a decade, Pope Francis’s Laudato Si’ has called us to care for God’s creation as an act of faith—honoring the gifts we’ve been given and protecting them for future generations. “The world is a gift which we have freely received and must share with others.” (LS)

The document is a call to conversion and action. While Laudato si' fits perfectly within Catholic tradition, it is saying that concern for the environment is no longer “optional” for a believer. Caring for the environment is now even more clearly and surely part of Church teaching. We are responsible for taking care of the world we live in and for sharing all the wonders and resources the earth gives us. Laudato Si is a call to remember that we are more than just her inhabitants—we are her stewards.  “All of us can cooperate as instruments of God for the care of creation, each according to his or her own culture, experience, involvements and talents.” (LS 1) 

The Environmental Concerns Committee invites you to contemplate the goals of Laudato Si this week with a Creation Novena, nine-days of prayer and thanks for our common home. Click this link that will guide you to the novena.  

In addition, here are some other ways you and your family can care for creation. 

15. Pray. Set a time every day or week to pray as a family, thanking God for the gifts of creation and praying for its care. 
16. Learn. Read Laudato Si, another book about environmental issues, or watch a documentary about caring for creation. Talk to your family about caring for creation. 
17. Enjoy nature. Spend more time outside, take walks, and observe nature. 
18. Plant something. Plant a garden, tree and/or plants native to Minnesota in your yard. 
19. Pick up trash. Organize a community clean-up or go out as a family to clean up the Earth. 
20. Reduce, Reuse, Recycle. Re-use, re-purpose, and recycle what you can. 
21. Shop local and fair. Shop local businesses, second-hand shops, or from companies that sell fair trade items. 
22. Cut carbon emissions. Carpool, walk, bike, or use public transportation when possible. 
23. Save water. Take shorter showers, only do laundry when you have a full load, turn off water when brushing your teeth, etc.
24. Invest in a reusable water bottle. And stop using plastic ones.  
25. Do not waste. Only purchase the food you need, use all that you have, and eat leftovers.  
26. Unplug. Turn off lights and unplug devices that use power continuously when not needed.  
27. Conserve energy. Lower thermostat a few degrees in winter and raise it a few degrees in the summer. Open windows and use fresh air circulation when reasonable to do so.  
28. Care for the poor and vulnerable. Recycle toys, books, and clothes by donating them for others to use. Support parish ministries who help those in need.
29. Support movements and advocate. Join a movement like ECC, Apple Valley Eco-Advocates or other organizations that urge elected officials to work for a sustainable future.