In 2015, Pope Francis released the encyclical letter *Laudato Si'*, subtitled 'On Care for Our Common Home,' which has been foundational in articulating a global Catholic response to environmental challenges. Marking its fifth anniversary in 2020, the Vatican initiated the *Laudato Si' Action Platform*, a broad, coordinated effort to catalyze environmental and social action across the globe. This platform aims to unite people of goodwill in restoring the Earth and healing fractured human relationships through specific, measurable action plans.
The *Laudato Si' Action Platform* is structured around seven interrelated goals, each designed to promote a holistic approach to ecological and social renewal. These goals include responding to the cries of the Earth by conserving natural resources, addressing the needs of the poor by protecting vulnerable communities, fostering sustainable economics and lifestyles, revamping education to focus on ecological awareness, rekindling ecological spirituality, and advocating for community-driven environmental policies. Progress in any one area inherently supports and advances the others, illustrating the interconnected nature of these objectives.
Pope Francis envisions a deep, symbiotic relationship between humans and the Earth, drawing imagery from St. Francis of Assisi's 'Canticle of Praise.' He describes the planet as both a sister with whom we share life and a nurturing mother. This vision underscores the encyclical's call to cherish and respect the natural world as a family member, not merely as a resource to be exploited. The goals of the *Laudato Si' Action Platform* are thus rooted in a profound spiritual and ethical commitment to the planet and its inhabitants.
Individuals and groups are encouraged to engage with these goals by identifying specific actions that can make a tangible impact. The broader community is also urged to consider how organizations can adopt similar measures. By reflecting on these goals and committing to concrete steps, everyone can contribute to a more sustainable and just world. This collective effort is vital as we continue to explore the goals' interconnections and work towards a better future for all of creation.
Journal and reflection on the following questions for 20 minutes
How can your personal choices and actions contribute to the care of our common home, especially in terms of adopting sustainable lifestyles and reducing environmental impact?
In what ways can you or your community assist the most vulnerable populations, who are often the hardest hit by environmental degradation and climate change?
Reflect on the connection between your spiritual or ethical beliefs and environmental action. How does your faith or philosophy inspire you to care for the Earth and its inhabitants?
Consider the role of education in ecological awareness. What changes would you propose in the educational system to better integrate and emphasize ecological responsibility and action among students?
In her video, Sister Mary Catherine explores the critical role of community action and advocacy, emphasizing its importance as one of the key goals of the Laudato Si' Action Platform. She highlights the urgency of addressing the severe environmental and social challenges impacting our planet and human family, stressing the need for participatory action across all levels—international, national, regional, and local. This collective effort aims to develop policies and initiate changes that will safeguard the Earth and its inhabitants for current and future generations.
Sister Mary Catherine references Pope Francis's call in Laudato Si' for a unified global response to these pressing issues. He articulates the concept of our planet as a single homeland for humanity, which is increasingly interconnected. This interdependence not only makes us more aware of the adverse effects of certain lifestyles and consumption models but also compels us to seek solutions that consider the global common good rather than the interests of just a few nations. The pope urges us to envision and work towards a world with a shared plan for sustainability.
The foundational step in fostering community involvement, as outlined by Sister Mary Catherine, begins with personal growth in understanding the environmental and social issues we face and a willingness to change detrimental behaviors. She encourages viewers to consider how they can contribute to existing efforts or initiate new ones within various organizations and groups that strive for sustainable ecological practices. This process includes learning more about the issues, identifying opportunities to join ongoing efforts, and considering what new actions are necessary.
Sister Mary Catherine concludes by reinforcing the impact that collaboration with organizations, groups, and individuals can have on creating positive changes in our environment and society. She invites everyone to explore more about the Laudato Si' movement and consider how individual actions, combined with collaborative efforts, can contribute to significant systemic changes for the betterment of all creation. She underscores the importance of continued prayer and collective action as we strive to address these global challenges effectively.
Journal and reflect on the following questions for 20 minutes
Personal Impact: Reflect on your own lifestyle and daily choices. What specific changes can you make to reduce your environmental impact and support vulnerable communities? How can these changes contribute to broader global solutions?
Community Engagement: What local or global organizations align with your values and goals for environmental and social justice? How can you get involved with these groups to contribute to their efforts, and what unique skills or resources can you bring to these initiatives?
Educational Outreach: Consider the role of education in promoting ecological awareness and action. What initiatives or programs can you support or develop to educate others in your community about sustainable practices and the importance of caring for our common home?
In the third video of the 'Interlocking Global Goals for Our Common Home and One Family' series, Sister Mary Catherine Pedrosi discusses the concept of ecological spirituality as one of the seven core goals of the Laudato Si' Action Platform. She explains that ecological spirituality is based on the belief that God is the source of all creation, and this divine connection holds all creation together in love. This awareness urges us to prioritize and make decisions that respect and care for the Earth and all its inhabitants, recognizing the inherent dignity and value of every living creature, including the most vulnerable members of our human family.
Sister Mary Catherine draws on quotes from Pope Francis's encyclical, Laudato Si', to deepen the understanding of ecological spirituality. She highlights that human existence is fundamentally connected to our relationships with God, our neighbors, and the Earth itself. These relationships require us to respect natural laws and the delicate balance of the ecosystem, recognizing that all creatures have intrinsic value in God's eyes and that we are entrusted with the responsible use of the Earth’s resources.
The implications of ecological spirituality extend into practical decisions affecting ecosystem preservation, economic security, and the just use and distribution of natural resources. By recovering and embracing ecological spirituality, we lay a foundation for informed and ethical decisions in community action and advocacy. This approach helps address the urgent needs of the environment and supports vulnerable communities, promoting sustainable economics and lifestyles.
Sister Mary Catherine concludes by encouraging personal engagement with the natural world in a spirit of wonder, praise, joy, and gratitude. She suggests gathering with others to envision and take active steps toward restoring our common home and healing our human family. Her message emphasizes the transformative power of collective action and the spiritual fulfillment that comes from contributing to a greater cause, underscoring the importance of prayer and communal support in these endeavors.
Journal and reflect on the following questions for 20 minutes
Personal Reflection on Nature: How does your personal relationship with nature reflect your spiritual beliefs? Consider moments when you felt a deep connection to the natural world. How might these experiences shape your actions toward environmental conservation and respect for all creatures?
Community Involvement: What actions can you take within your community to promote ecological spirituality? Think about initiatives or projects you could start or join that would encourage others to see the connection between their spiritual life and environmental stewardship.
Impact of Ecological Decisions: How do your everyday decisions impact the environment and vulnerable populations? Reflect on changes you might implement in your lifestyle to better align with the principles of ecological spirituality and the goals of Laudato Si'. What are some specific, measurable actions you could take to contribute to the healing of our common home and human family?
In her fourth video on the interlocking global goals for our common home, Sister Mary Catherine Fedrosi emphasizes the critical role of ecological education within the Laudato Si' Action Platform. This goal encompasses both formal and informal learning approaches to equip individuals with the knowledge and skills necessary for restoring our planet and fostering a healthy human community. Formal education involves curricular reforms and institutional changes to integrate ecological awareness deeply into learning processes. Meanwhile, informal learning calls on individuals to self-educate on environmental and social issues and collaborate with others to address these challenges effectively.
Pope Francis, in Laudato Si', underscores the importance of changing our mindset to foster a profound respect for nature and society. He points out that without an appreciation for beauty and a fundamental respect for life, efforts to promote sustainable practices may fall short. The encyclical challenges prevailing consumerist attitudes reinforced by media and market dynamics, advocating for a paradigm shift towards a more conscientious and sustainable approach to living and interacting with our environment.
The relationship between ecological spirituality and education is foundational in shaping decisions that impact economic systems and lifestyles, directly influencing the environment and vulnerable populations. Sister Mary Catherine urges viewers to reflect on their learning and actions that contribute to a more sustainable world. She emphasizes the need for ongoing personal growth and collective action in pursuit of ecological and social well-being, inviting everyone to support each other in this transformative journey.
Journal and reflect on the following questions for 20 minutes
Personal Growth and Education: How can you further your own ecological education to become more informed about environmental issues? What resources or actions can you pursue to deepen your understanding and ability to effect change?
Community Engagement: How can you apply your ecological knowledge in a community setting? Consider ways to engage with others to spread ecological awareness and collaborate on sustainable projects. What specific community-driven initiatives could you help to start or support?
Mindset Shifts: What are the key mindset changes you believe are necessary to foster a deeper connection with nature and a more sustainable society? How can you contribute to promoting these mindset shifts among your peers, family, or wider community?
In her fifth video of the 'Interlocking Global Goals of Our Common Home and One Family' series, Sister Mary Catherine Pedrosi introduces the concept of ecological economics, which integrates the principles of ecology and economics. She explains that ecological economics addresses the relationship between economic activities and the ecological system, emphasizing the interdependence of all creation. By recognizing that the economy significantly impacts both living and non-living elements of our environment, she advocates for an approach that prioritizes the health and sustainability of our common home over mere profit.
Highlighting concerns addressed by Pope Francis in Laudato Si', Sister Mary Catherine reflects on the detrimental effects of a short-sighted economic system that prioritizes profit at the expense of environmental sustainability and human well-being. She cites specific examples such as the loss of forests and biodiversity, which not only diminishes immediate natural resources but also eliminates potential future benefits in areas like medicine and ecological regulation. These issues underline the necessity for a transformative shift in how we view and manage economic activities.
Sister Mary Catherine calls for a 'bold cultural revolution' to rethink our economic paradigms, as suggested by Pope Francis. This involves reassessing the ways in which we produce, distribute, and consume goods to ensure that these processes are aligned with sustainable and ethical principles. She encourages viewers to consider practical changes in their own lives that can contribute to this shift, emphasizing the role of ecological spirituality and education in fostering these changes. By challenging the existing paradigms that place profit over people and the environment, she invites everyone to engage in personal and communal actions that prioritize the well-being of our global family and the sustainability of our planet.
Journal and reflect on the following questions for 20 minutes
Personal Consumption Habits: How can you modify your own consumption habits to support more sustainable economic practices? Consider the goods you purchase, the companies you support, and the ways you might reduce your environmental impact through these choices.
Community Economic Practices: What community initiatives or local businesses can you support that prioritize ecological sustainability over profit? How can you contribute to or advocate for economic practices in your community that are aligned with the principles of ecological economics?
Advocacy for Systemic Change: Reflect on the current economic systems and their impact on the environment. What are some specific ways you can advocate for policies and practices that prioritize long-term ecological health and social justice over short-term profits? How can you engage with others to amplify this advocacy?
Discuss
Part 6. Interlocking Goals - Simple, Sustainable Lifestyles
In the sixth installment of her video series on global goals for our common home, Sister Mary Catherine Pedrosi discusses the necessity of adopting simple, sustainable lifestyles to address the worldwide environmental and social crisis. Emphasizing moderation in the use of resources and energy, she highlights how these changes are not only crucial for ecological health but also present an opportunity to renew Earth and heal human relationships. The transition towards sustainable living requires significant shifts in our thinking and behaviors, which are deeply interconnected with the principles of ecological spirituality and education.
Sister Mary Catherine touches on the challenges of countering cultural norms, particularly the pressures of compulsive consumerism and excessive reliance on fossil fuels, which Pope Francis critiques in sections 204 and 205 of Laudato Si'. The Pope stresses that our current consumerist lifestyle leads to violence and mutual destruction, urging that a true commitment to environmental and social well-being involves profound lifestyle changes. These changes have the potential to exert healthy pressure on political, economic, and social leaders, driving them to make more responsible and sustainable decisions.
Concluding her message, Sister Mary Catherine encourages viewers to reflect on and discuss the personal sacrifices necessary to simplify their lifestyles for the betterment of all creation. This conversation is about more than personal change; it's about influencing broader societal transformations that ensure a sustainable future for coming generations. By committing to these changes, we align our actions with our values and take essential steps towards a more just and sustainable world.
Journal and reflect on the following questions for 20 minutes
Personal Consumption Review: Examine your current lifestyle and consumption habits. What are some specific ways you could reduce your environmental impact through changes in your daily practices, such as reducing waste, conserving energy, or choosing sustainable products?
Cultural Influence: How do societal and cultural pressures influence your consumption and lifestyle choices? Reflect on the challenges of resisting these pressures and think of ways you could advocate for and model a more sustainable lifestyle within your community.
Collective Impact: Consider the potential impact of widespread adoption of simpler, more sustainable lifestyles. What actions can you take to encourage others to make such transitions? How can you support or participate in community initiatives that promote environmental sustainability and social justice?
Discuss
Part 7. Interlocking Goals - The Cry of the Earth and the Poor
In the final video of her series on the interlocking global goals for our common home, Sister Mary Catherine Fedrosi emphasizes the interconnectedness of environmental issues and social justice, particularly how the plight of the earth and the suffering of impoverished populations are mutually dependent. Highlighting examples like pollution, which harms both the environment and human health, she calls for a greater understanding and action towards reducing such harms as a way to simultaneously address both ecological and human needs. This holistic view encourages respect and appreciation for all of creation, recognizing every individual's unique value and the critical need to strengthen the relationship between humans and the earth.
Drawing from Pope Francis's words in *Laudato Si'*, Sister Mary Catherine underscores the notion that the environment is not separate from society but a part of the relationships within which society exists. This perspective demands significant societal changes, such as prioritizing people over profit in economic systems, replacing fossil fuels with clean energy, and fostering a culture of compassion over one of dehumanization. These changes are essential not just for the health of our planet but for the dignity and well-being of its inhabitants.
Concluding her series, Sister Mary Catherine challenges viewers to reflect on their role in these transformative efforts. She asks individuals to consider what they are willing to do or sacrifice to contribute to a more sustainable and equitable world. She encourages collaborative actions towards these goals, reminding us that all creation is sustained by the love of God and that each person has a responsibility to participate in the care and restoration of our common home. Her call to action is supported by spiritual resources like the Ignatian Ecological Examen, which aids in reflecting on our relationship with the environment, reinforcing the spiritual underpinnings of ecological and social responsibility.
Journal and reflect on the following questions for 20 minutes
Personal Impact Reflection: Reflect on your daily activities and habits. How might these be contributing to environmental degradation or social injustice? Consider ways you could adjust your habits to reduce pollution, waste, or other harmful impacts.
Community and Collective Action: What initiatives or movements within your community focus on both environmental sustainability and social justice? How can you engage with or support these initiatives to help strengthen the relationship between people and the planet?
Vision for the Future: Imagine a world where the changes Sister Mary Catherine suggests have been implemented. What would this world look like in terms of environment, community, and individual behaviors? How does this vision align with your personal values and what steps can you take to make this vision a reality?
Discuss
Song - Garden (A Song for Season of Creation) - Leichhardt Uniting Church
Final Prayer
Gracious God, Creator of all that is seen and unseen,
We thank You for the gift of Your creation, the beauty of the earth, and the fellowship of our human family. As we reflect on the teachings from these seven videos, guide us to a deeper understanding and appreciation for our common home.
Lord, instill in us the spirit of ecological spirituality, that we may see the world through Your eyes—treasuring every creature and resource as a sacred gift. Grant us the wisdom to learn and teach others about the importance of sustainable practices, that we may live in harmony with the environment.
Encourage us, Father, to adopt lifestyles that respect and preserve Your creation. Help us to advocate for economic systems that prioritize people over profit, and to cultivate communities that value justice and compassion over convenience and greed.
As we strive to make meaningful changes in our lives and in our world, sustain us with the hope and energy for the long journey ahead. May our actions reflect our commitment to restoring the earth and healing relationships, for the good of all people and the generations to come.
We ask for Your blessings as we work together, inspired by the vision of a world transformed by love, justice, and peace. Amen.
