Laudato Si' Week: Planting Seeds of Hope in our World

Every year the Catholic Church marks the anniversary of Pope Francis’ landmark encyclical Laudato Si’. From 19 – 26 May, we celebrate what is means to care for our common home.

In 2023, Pope Francis released a ‘sequel’ to his famous letter called Laudate Deum which reminds us of the urgent need to act.

This year the theme of Laudato Si’ Week centres around ‘seeds of hope’. We are called to consider how we can plant and nurture seeds to be the hope that the world needs during this time of suffering for our planet (Laudate Deum, 2).

Reflection Questions:

The cry of the earth. Are we considering how our choices will impact the earth and its precious resources?

The cry of the poor. Are we considering how our choices will affect all forms of life, especially those who are most vulnerable?

Ecological economics. Are our economic transactions supporting ecology through sustainable, ethical, and fair production, consumption and investment?

Adoption of sustainable lifestyles. Are we considering ways in which we can use less resources and energy systems as we go about our daily life?

Ecological Education. Are we considering that our actions will educate others? Are we mindfully educating others to promote ecological awareness and action?

Ecological Spirituality. Are we encouraging greater contact with the natural world, bringing others into an awareness of creation and the marvels of it? Are we promoting a spirit of wonder, awe, praise, thanksgiving, and joy?

Community resilience and empowerment. Are we considering ways in which local, national, and international communities can participate in action for care of creation?

PRAYER

God of all creation,

Thank you for the gift of our lives and for the world in which we live. We thank you for the warmth of the sun in winter, and a cool breeze in summer.

We thank you for the great diversity of life, which fills us with wonder and reminds us that we too are creatures.

Carey Twidale

Middle Leader Living Your Faith