Essay | Laudato Si Week: May 22-29, 2022
The title Laudato si’, or “Praised be You” is a reference to St. Francis of Assisi’s 13th-century poem Canticle of the Creatures. It is written in a Medieval Italian dialect, and praises God for providing “brother sun,” “sister water,” “brother wind”, and “sister Mother Earth.”
The key idea behind Pope Francis’ Encyclical, Laudato si’, is that of “integral ecology.” Earth is our “common home” where humankind, animals, nature, and all creation are vital components as part of one family.
This annual celebration of Laudato si’, which began in 2015, is a way for all Catholics to unite and commit to further action and prayer for our common home. The theme this year is “Listening and Journeying Together.” Catholics across the globe will unite their communities into action on ways to tackle the climate crisis.
We are invited to protect God’s creation for future generations, embrace a lifestyle change for our own good, and take care of people who are poor and more vulnerable. The goals for Laudato si’ are the following: Response to the Cry of the Earth, Response to the Cry of the Poor, Ecological Economics, Adoption of Sustainable Lifestyles, Ecological Education, Ecological Spirituality, and Community Engagement and Participatory Action. These goals will be further outlined in the Church of St. Ignatius Loyola Laudato si’ Action Platform soon.
On Sunday, May 22nd, Ignatian Social Justice and Family Ministry will collaborate at the Community Coffee Hour after the 11 AM Masses to highlight Laudato si’ Week. Ignatian Social Justice members will host a table with Laudato si’ information and reusable grocery bags supplied by the NYC Sanitation Department. Family Ministry will host an arts and crafts table for children to make art from newspapers, cardboard egg cartons, and other recycled materials.
For more events happening virtually during Laudato si’ Week, here is a list where you can participate online:
May 22nd,12 PM to 1 PM
Opening of Laudato si’ Week by Pope Francis
May 22nd, 6 PM to 7 PM
Prayer Gathering from Uganda
May 23rd,10 AM to 12 PM
No More Biodiversity Collapse: Rebalancing Social Systems with Nature
May 24th, All Day
Empowering ECO-mmunity, Embracing the Poor (seventh anniversary of Pope Francis signing Laudato Si’)
May 25th, 9 AM to 10:30 AM
Fossil Fuels, Violence, and The Climate Crisis
May 26th, 2;30 PM to 3:30 PM
Investing in Laudato Si’
May 27th, All Day
Laudato Si’ Movie presentation
May 28th, 7 PM to 8 PM
Ecological spirituality/Laudato Si Festival from Assisi
May 29th, All Day
Prayer Gathering. Community resilience and empowerment as part of our Synodal Journey
To join Laudato Si’ Week 2022, click here to sign into virtual events.
— Jean Santopatre, Pastoral Associate, ISJ, IYA & Family Ministry