Called to be seeds of hope

In 2015 Pope Francis wrote the Encyclical letter, Laudato Si’: On Care for Our Common Home.

He wrote that he wanted not only to clarify Catholic Social Teaching on the environment but advance it. Looking to reality, he linked the suffering of marginalised people with the disruption of the life-support systems of Earth: the twin cry of poor people and Earth itself.

Pope Francis continues to invite all believers and people of good will: to see the disruption of the support systems of planet Earth which underpin our way of living and that of all species that call it home.

We need to recognise the causes of the cries of pain that rise up from the Earth and the poor and let our selves be changed. Changing our mindsets and sways of living so as to love every part of creation with that same passion that Jesus loves us.

Laudato Si’ Week 2024

This year, the theme of Laudato Si’ Week (May 19-26),“Seeds of Hope,” calls us all to be those seeds of hope in our lives and in our world, rooted in faith and love. The theme is inspired by the Season of Creation 2024 symbol, “first fruits.” This week invites us to come together as a community to contemplate and nurture seeds of hope for our “suffering planet” (LD 2).  Laudate Deum reminds us of the urgency of the Laudato Si’ message and the need for personal and cultural transformation in the midst of our ecological and climate crises.

Our commitment stems from the conviction that, even in times of ecological and climatic crises, each of us has the power to make a difference and contribute to building a more sustainable future. Together, we can cultivate a world where harmony between humanity and nature is a tangible reality. “there are no lasting changes without cultural changes … and there are no cultural changes without personal changes” (LD 70). The planet is everyone’s responsibility

Inspired by Pope Francis’ encyclical Laudato Si’, an eight-day guide for LSW2024 seeks to motivate all people of good will to protect our Common Home through concrete actions and simple changes in the way we live.

Each day a specific theme is proposed that addresses aspects of integral ecology, such as waste reduction, renewable energy use and water conservation. By following this guide for each day LSW animators  hope to:

• foster a deeper respect for creation,
• promote sustainable habits, and
• deepen our commitment to a lifestyle that respects the Creator’s handiwork.

Through inspirational quotes, practical activities, reflections and prayers, this guide is a valuable resource to inspire meaningful change in our interaction with the environment.

Each day you will find an action, ways to put it into practice, its importance and impact on our planet; as well as supporting arguments based on the magisterium of the Catholic Church and science.  See Home 2024 – Laudato Si Week

A process of transformation

Efforts by households to reduce pollution and waste, and to consume with prudence, are creating a new culture. The mere fact that personal, family and community habits are changing is contributing to greater concern about the unfulfilled responsibilities of the political sectors and indignation at the lack of interest shown by the powerful. Let us realise, then, that even though this does not immediately produce a notable effect from the quantitative standpoint, we are helping to bring about large processes of transformation rising from deep within society.  (Pope Francis, LD #71)

Prayer to the Holy Spirit

Holy Spirit, You are God’s presence in our hearts,
bringing life, love and joy, like a caring Mother.
You are in singing birds, hidden in vegetation,
in the subtle fragrance of inconspicuous flowers…
You are a Mystery, invisible,
but powerfully influencing our life.
We open our hearts to You.

Please inspire us and give us wisdom, courage, and hope.
Let us make use of our various talents and Your gifts.
Please teach us patience, kindness, faithfulness,
gentleness, and self-control.
Guide us the right way and teach us to love You, others, and ourselves.
Please help us to work together in peace and respect every person,
regardless of all the differences between us,
but also to respect nature
and everything else you have created for us.

Last but not least,
let us always remember our dignity of being Your children
and our freedom to serve others, like Jesus.

Amen

(By Sylwia Ufnalska, Laudato Si’ Animator, Co-ordinator of Rogalin Ways of the Holy Spirit and of the Project “Tree of Life” – Rogalin, Poland:  From Day 1 of the Laudato Si’ Week Prayer Guide).

Word Day of Prayer for the Care of Creation

During Laudato Si’ Week, on Thursday, May 23, the Pope’s Message for Creation Day 2024 will be announced at a Press Conference.  The World Day of Prayer for the Care of Creation is celebrated every September 1 and marks the beginning of the Time of Creation, which concludes on October 4, the feast of St. Francis of Assisi.

The theme “Hope and act with Creation” is inspired by St. Paul’s Letter to the Romans (Rom 8:19-25), in which the apostle acknowledges that “the whole creation groans and suffers” but reminds us that because “in hope we have been saved” we wait “steadfastly.”

The content for this article is based on information from the following links:

See https://laudatosiweek.org/  and LSM New Seeds of Hope and new habits for Laudato Si

And https://presentationsistersne.ie/laudate-deum-in-the-light-of-faith/