May 17-24 marks the 11th Anniversary of Laudato Si’, Pope Francis’ encyclical on Care for Creation – one of the 7 basic principles of Catholic Social Teaching.
This year’s anniversary theme is “From Hope to Action.” All Catholics are challenged to take at least one action that will help address the cry of the earth which, as Pope Leo has pointed out, cannot be separated from the cry of the poor. What will your action be?
Check out some concrete suggestions below or visit laudatosiweek.org/resources for more inspiration.
1. Reduce your home or community energy use by turning off unnecessary lighting or adjusting heating and cooling
2. Help restore biodiversity by planting trees or pollinator gardens
3. Donate to a charity serving a community affected by environmental harm
4. Support local producers by buying from farmers markets or cooperatives
5. Review your investment and purchasing decisions and commit to buying recycled or sustainable materials or products sold by environmentally responsible producers
6. Reduce use of plastic and recycle any plastic that is used
7. Adopt more plant-forward meal choices by including less meat and dairy in your diet
8. Organize a group in one of your “communities” to discuss ways to address the cry of the earth
9. Pray for creation and for the poor who are disproportionately affected by climate change.
10. Go to laudatosiweek.org/resources for more inspiration on how you can help care for the earth and for the poor.
Honoring Laudato Si’ Week, May 17-24!