Laudato Si 2015-2020

​ Sr Catherine Jones smsm, NZ-London, writes:    This beautiful tapestry of the Wisdom Figure, "who delights to be with the children of the earth" (Prov 8:31) welcomes you as enter Notre Dame de France Church, London, a Marist ministry. Wisdom is in our midst inviting us to live in respect and harmony with all of God's creation. Yet Pope Francis reminds us in Laudato Si (LS) that our Mother Earth "cries out to us because of the harm we have inflicted on her by our irresponsible use and abuse of the goods with which God has endowed her" (LS 2)

The Pope has invited us to remember the fifth anniversary of Laudato Si, with a week of prayer, conversion and activities, 16-24 May 2020. The current Covid-19 pandemic now makes this call more urgent, as we listen deeply "to the cry of the earth and the cry of the poor" (LS 49)

In biblical interpretation, we often associate this wisdom figure with Mary, the mother of Jesus, and Mother of the New Creation that comes to birth in the Resurrection of Jesus. As the countries where we live and serve begin to remake communities and economies, we will draw wisdom from the conviction Pope Francis:
We are faced not with two separate crises, one environmental and the other social, but rather with one complex crisis which is both social and environmental. Strategies for a solution demand an integrated approach to combating poverty, restoring dignity to the excluded, and at the same time protecting nature.(LS 139)

How can we mark this week in our communities?

You may find ways that are suited to your current possibilities and limitations, but here are some ideas you may like to try:

• Include a short extract from LS during your evening prayer in community.
• Choose your favourite quote from LS, and compose a song, or design a poster with a photo from your collection, or express your creativity. If you send us a photo, we can include it in a newsletter.
• Pray the Ecological Examen (see below).
• How is your garden?Is it a time for sowing, or a time for reaping? Plant something in memory of those who have died during the Covid pandemic. 

ECOLOGICAL EXAMEN    

I take a moment to be still, and open to the gift of the day that has passed, experiencing once again "the caress of God" (LS 84).

All creation reflects the beauty and blessing of God's image. Where was I most aware of this today?I thank God for this gift.

Today, can I identify how I failed to hear "the cry of the earth and the cry of the poor"? (LS 49) I ask God for forgiveness for my failings.

As I imagine tomorrow, I ask for the grace to see Christ in the interconnectedness of all life. I rest in confidence for the day ahead.

Glory be to the Father, and to the Son ……

Mary, Mother of the New Creation, pray for us

for more resources:  https://ignatiansolidarity.net/blog/2020/05/14/laudato-si-