Laudato Si’—On the Care of Our Common Home calls on all the people of the world to reflect on the divine love revealed in all of creation and to dedicate ourselves to the care of creation. Pope Francis asks all of us to recognize the wonder and beauty of Earth and to take time to contemplate its mysteries.  He focuses our attention on the destruction of the planet that we are witnessing today, much of which is due to human activity.  He also links the care for the poor and the care of creation in what he calls an “integral ecology”.  Care for creation demands that we create a future where the needs of the poor are met, and the gifts of creation are shared in a sustainable and equitable way. 

This ninth anniversary of the encyclical was a fitting time to reflect on the message and its impact.  Laudato Si’ provides a moment for reflection, gratitude, and reinvigorated efforts for a  more sustainable and just world. In order to commemorate Laudato Si week the JPIC Rome Integrity of Creation group held several activities. It was a week to pray, reflect and share about the earth as our common home. Together we must protect and nurture our home. The earth is where we stand, and live.

Visiting the Laudato Si Garden at the Vatican was one of the concrete actions to see and reflect on how the Church and the world must do their part to work together. We live and walk together to make the earth our home. This activity was attended by several JPIC coordinators from various Rome congregations.

Walking together as a Synod of Churches for Global Peace was our action to invite all communities for healing and caring for the common home and humanitarian solidarity. The participants made a walking pilgrimage and prayed together starting from St. Peter’s Basilica to St. Paul’s Basilica “In walking with long distances such as El Camino, the real battlefield or the actual struggle is not with your feet, but in your mind.”

We closed with the Laudato Si Mass. This event was a wonderful reflection to honor the principles outlined in Pope Francis’ encyclical. The Sisters of Charity presented their Laudato Si’ Garden as implementation of Laudato Si Movement. We committed to pray with the nature and to take care and promote our Earth as our common home.

During Laudato Si Week our Generalate community take their part to celebrate Laudato Si Week with prayer services. Our focus Intention for our common home and for the peace in the world. (Sr. Tarcisia Lumban Siantar FCJM)