“… as followers of Christ on our shared synodal journey, let us live, work and pray that our common home will teem with life once again. May the Holy Spirit once more hover over the waters and guide our efforts to “renew the face of the earth” (cf. Ps 104:30).
Pope Francis, Message for World Day of Creation
Rome, Saint John Lateran, 13 May 2023
Last week marked the eighth anniversary of Pope Francis’ landmark encyclical “Laudato Si’: On Care for Our Common Home”.
The theme for Laudato Si’ Week this year is “Hope for the Earth. Hope for Humanity”. There are actions we can take to care for our common home, particularly with regard to climate change, and we need to spread hope, not despair, so that we motivate others to take action.
In our parishes and schools, we joined Catholic communities around the world in celebrating Laudato Si’ Week. It’s a time to give thanks for the gifts of the earth, to pray for a heightened awareness of integral ecology amongst all people, and to focus, with even more determination, on our Laudato Si’ Action plans.
The Australian Bishops Commission for Social Justice – Mission and Service prepared Daily Reflections and action sheets for Laudato Si’ Week. These can be used any time of year, not just during Laudato Si’ Week and are suitable for personal or group use. They draw from information from the 2021 State of the Environment Report and include quotes from Laudato Si’.
Go to Laudato Si resources list
The Letter: A Message for Our Earth
This year, the Vatican’s Dicastery for Promoting Integral Human Development, is promoting viewings of ‘The Letter: A Message for Our Earth’ to inspire Catholics to remain hope-filled and to rejoice in the progress made so far to bring Laudato Si’ to life.
Many of you may have already watched ‘The Letter’ at a community viewing in your parish or school. The film follows the journey of people who have been affected first-hand by the climate crisis as they travel to Rome to meet Pope Francis, revealing their moving stories and inspiring actions along the way.
You are encouraged to organise community screenings of the film. This might not necessarily be organised through a parish; you might like to gather with friends and watch at home, for example. And remember, you can always watch the film by yourself whenever you can.
What is Laudato Si' Week?
Laudato Si’ Week began as a way to celebrate the first anniversary of Pope Francis’ papal encyclical letter, “Laudato Si’: On Care for Our Common Home.” Since then, the annual celebration has become a way for all Catholics to unite and rejoice in the progress we’ve made in bringing Laudato Si’ to life and to commit ourselves to further prayer and action for our common home.
The event is organised by the Vatican Dicastery for Promoting Integral Human Development, and facilitated by Laudato Si' Movement together with other partners.
