Photo: CNS In May 2015, Pope Francis published the encyclical Laudato Si’ – Care for Our Common Home inviting everyone into a conversation about what is happening to our environment, God’s creation. This year we celebrate the fifth anniversary of its publication and Pope Francis has invited all of us to mark this special anniversary in some way.
So much has changed in our lives in recent weeks as another global crisis unfolds before us. It is hard for many of us to comprehend this extraordinary moment in history. And yet there is a lot of light and love shining through the darkness as people ‘come together while staying apart’: many manufacturers and businesses are turning their industries over to providing key worker resources; priests, pastoral workers and volunteers are all finding new ways to reach out to the most vulnerable in our Church communities; neighbours are looking out for one another.
We are more aware than ever before of just how deeply connected we are as the Covid-19 crisis has shown us that what happens in one part of the world, affects all of us as a human race. We belong to one another. We are in this together. This is the type of global solidarity which is needed to fight not only Covid-19 but also the environmental crisis, which has not gone away. In Laudato Si Pope Francis calls for a “conversation which involves everyone because the environmental challenge we are undergoing and its human roots, concern and affect us all.” (LS, 14) As we hibernate, the Earth rests. When we emerge from this ‘cocooning’ will we return to business as usual? Or will we be changed in some way?
As we strive to protect our families during this worrying time, we have also been given an opportunity to consider what we truly value and what is really important to us. Let this time be an opportunity to reflect on our relationship with God’s creation and with one another.
As we stay at home during this crisis, we can find ways of living Laudato Si’ in our homes:
– Connect again with nature noticing the birds, the trees, the soil, the gift of water, becoming more aware of God’s presence in all of creation.
– Does the recycling need more attention in your house? During this crisis we may all have slipped back into bad habits. You can try to reuse, reduce, recycle and encourage family members to do the same and access tips here: www.mywaste.ie
– Read Laudato Si’ in preparation for its fifth anniversary in May. You can access a copy for free on the Vatican website.
– For parents and teachers, you can access our parish and school packs at www.trocaire.org (see resources).
Jane Mellett is the Laudato Si’ officer with Trócaire