What is Laudato Si’?
Everything is interconnected, and this invites us to develop a spirituality of that global solidarity which flows from the mystery of the Trinity.LS240
On 24 October, Sr Margaret Atkins OSA from Boarbank Hall gave a presentation to the parish at Marnhull and Gillingham about Laudato Si’ and how we as Christians are called to respond to the Cry of the Earth and the Cry of the Poor. The event, organised by Caritas Diocese of Plymouth and CAFOD during the Season of Creation, was an opportunity to pray and reflect on Pope Francis’ Encyclical Laudato Si’. Canon John Deeny, Chair of the Diocesan Environment Committee, led the prayers.
Deborah Fisher, Caritas Manager and Diocesan Environmental Lead, said that the Diocese of Plymouth is committed to being a good steward of the earth, conserving and protecting God’s creation and the earth’s resources. Our environmental policy has a range of commitments including the aim of increasing opportunities for prayer and discussion about environmental issues as well as taking practical action. We were very grateful that Sr Margaret was free to give a talk in our Diocese.
Sr Margaret talked about the key themes of Laudato Si’:
- the intimate relationship between the poor and the fragility of the planet
- the conviction that everything in the world is connected
- the critique of new paradigms and forms of power derived from technology
- the call to seek other ways of understanding the economy and progress
- the value proper to each creature
- the human meaning of ecology
- the need for forthright and honest debate
- the serious responsibility of international and local policy
- the throwaway culture
- the proposal of a new lifestyle
Sr Margaret reminded us that the roots of Catholic Social Teaching around care for creation stem from the Book of Genesis and the Psalms as well as the New Testament; the teachings of St Augustine, St Francis and the Popes including Pope Paul VI, Pope John Paul II and Pope Benedict XVI.
Care for the environment is not something separate from other aspects of faith and life – “a true ecological approach always becomes a social approach; it must integrate questions of justice in debates on the environment, so as to hear both the cry of the earth and the cry of the poor.” LS49. If we care about others in the world, we have to care about the environment. Everything is connected and what we do locally has an impact globally.
In terms of what we can do to respond to the environmental challenges of today, Sr Margaret reminded us that the most important relationship is the one between human beings and God. We need to base everything we do on prayer and worship, only then can we discern how best to act. “The Eucharist is …. a source of light and motivation for our concerns for the environment, directing us to be stewards of all creation”.LS236
As communities of faith, we are uniquely placed to show leadership in this area and to propose “an alternative understanding of the quality of life and encourage a prophetic and contemplative lifestyle”. LS222. At parish and at personal level, we need to adopt a new mindset and integrate environmental thinking into everything we do.
Parishioners from Marnhull and Gillingham shared their plans for integrating Live Simply principles into the life of the church and ways in which the new church in Gillingham will model Laudato Si principles. They also shared their ideas on new ways of thinking, such as avoiding the use of plastic and paper, reducing water consumption, reducing waste and recycling, growing more and cooking only what can reasonably be consumed, showing care for other living beings and other practices.
St Mary’s primary school kindly offered their hall as a venue and it was wonderful to see the key themes of Catholic Social Teaching reflected throughout the school. Thanks to Steve, the Deanery coordinator for CAFOD for supporting the organisation.
If you would like a copy of a longer summary of Laudato Si put together by Sr Margaret please email caritas@prcdtr.org.uk
If you would like to know more about the Diocese of Plymouth environmental policy or would like us to run an event in your parish or deanery, please contact caritas@prcdtr.org.uk.
If you would like to get more involved in supporting the work of CAFOD in the Dorset Deanery, please contact Simon.giarchi@cafod.org.uk