“Everything is Connected”
We’re living through history-shaping events. Laudato Si’ teaches us how to build a better world–together. People everywhere are crying out for hope, and our faith is urgently needed to light the way. For Laudato Si’ Week, 16-24 May, Catholics and people of faith are uniting in solidarity for a more just and sustainable future.
Dear Friends/Fellow Parishioners,
Join us in celebrating the fifth anniversary of
Laudato Si’, Pope Francis’ encyclical on the care of all creation. Our Holy Father, Pope Francis, has invited the global Church to participate in
Laudato Si’ Week May 16-24, a time for prayer, study and action for a more just and sustainable world. As we experience the coronavirus pandemic, now, more than ever, we are reminded of the truth of his words, “everything is connected.” Video invitation:
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Ji1YpDcHncY
20 MAY | Sustainability: Time for the Church to Lead by Example
Learn how Catholic people and institutions can make a big difference in the global race to protect our common home. Catholics–who make up nearly one-seventh of the world’s population–are showing extraordinary leadership while making a real contribution reducing our impact on the Earth. This is a practical, action-oriented conversation.
Our featured speaker is Yeb Saño, who was the lead climate negotiator for the Philippines in the wake of Typhoon Haiyan (Yolanda), a disaster linked to climate change that killed thousands of people. Yeb's tearful plea to protect his people shook the COP19 climate negotiations. Since then, Yeb has marched thousands of kilometers on climate pilgrimages and taken up leadership as the Executive Director of Greenpeace Southeast Asia. He is a member of the GCCM board of directors.
20 MAY | Advocacy: Raising Our Voices for the Earth and the Most Vulnerable
Learn how advocating for policies that protect the most vulnerable among us is part and parcel of our faith. From in-depth exploration of the ways that we harm “the least among us” to practical tips for putting our faith into action, this session offers essential guidance to building a better world for the long term. An interactive format offers the opportunity to share ideas and hear the personal experiences of Catholics from around the world.
Our speakers for this event represent the rich diversity of Catholic advocates for creation and the most vulnerable. They include Mgr Pirmin Spiegel, director general of Misereor, one of Germany’s largest Catholic development agencies; Josianne Gauthier, secretary general of CIDSE, a network of Catholic development agencies based in Brussels; Moema de Miranda of Brazil’s Iglesias y Mineria and Franciscans International; Padre Dario Bossi, a Combonian father who will share the experience of the Community of Piquia’, which fought a decades-long battle against pollution; Alberto Acosta, Ecuadorian economist and policy-maker, and Anja Appel, a leader of Austria’s KOO network which has coordinated divestment from fossil fuels.
22 MAY | Social Action: Integral Ecology and Community Building in Times of a Global Pandemic
Grow your relationships, where the Holy Spirit moves us. Learn how to build communities of care that protect the most vulnerable. Explore new ways of connecting with the people around you in common projects that draw on the transformative power of our faith.
This event is co-sponsored by GCCM and Caritas Internationalis. Our featured speaker will be announced soon!
Laudato Si’ Week starts Saturday! The sense of momentum and enthusiasm around the world is growing by the day. Your participation in Laudato Si’ Week gives hope to all of creation and especially the most vulnerable among us. Thank you!