Introduction To Laudato Si 's Message

On May 24, 2015, Pope Francis wrote and released the encyclical Laudato Si ': Care for the common home. This is the Pope's first encyclical devoted entirely to the crisis of our planetary home. Inspired by his apostolic title Saint Francis of Assisi, and his profound communion with Creation (as evident in the Canticle of Creation that inspired the title of the Encyclical), the Pope has issued an urgent strong appeal to the Church and “all men of goodwill” to come together to answer “the cry of the earth and the cry of the poor.” (LS 49)

In response to the above urgent call, Caritas Dalat as a local unit is committed to turning Laudato Si into action. Laudato si becomes the guideline for Catitas' programs at the diocesan, parish and community levels, towards (1) praying for and with creation, (2) choosing a simpler lifestyle, (3) trying to participate in encouraging many people to join together into protecting the common house. The program is also connected with Laudato Si Movement around the world in learning, praying, accompanying as well as in advocacy campaigns.

Dimensions of ecological conversion?

In Laudato Si', Pope Francis calls us to experience an ecological conversion. But what is ecological conversion?

The Laudato Si movement defines ecological conversion as “a transformation of hearts and minds towards greater love for God, for one another and creation. It is a process of recognizing our contribution to the social and ecological crisis and acting in ways that foster communion: healing and renewing our common home.”

The History of Ecological Conversion in the Catholic Church

The ecological conversion was first used in the Catholic Church by Pope Saint John Paul II on January 17, 2001.

Saint John Paul II noted that man and woman are created in "the image of God" and he said: "Be fruitful and multiply, fill the earth, and subdue it; and have dominion over the fish of the sea, and over the birds of the air, and over every living thing that moves upon the earth" (Genesis 1:28, NRSVC).

But he also pointed out that the relationship is not "dictatorship, but service." He stressed that “humanity has disappointed God’s expectations” by devastating plains and valleys, polluting water and air, and distorting Earth’s habitat.

“We must therefore encourage and support the 'ecological conversion that in recent decades has made humanity more sensitive to the disaster they are facing," said Saint John Paul II.

Furthermore, he also highlighted the goals of this conversion, including a return to the right relationship between man, God and the world, and followed by living.

In Laudato Si', Pope Francis reminded the words of Saint John Paul II. His homily identified the current ecological crisis as a “summon to profound interior conversion”. What people need, he wrote, is an "'ecological conversion', whereby the effects of their encounter with Jesus Christ become evident in their relationship with the world around them (LS. 217).

But what is ecological conversion?

In Laudato Si' book Ten Green Commandments, Father Joshtrom Kureethadam, Head of the Vatican's Office of Ecology and Creation, writes that "ecological conversion calls for a return to the Creator", turning to God in a humble and sincere spirit of repentance, acknowledge God, the Creator as the source of all things, and fix the broken relationships with God and other.

Father Kureethadam also writes that “ecological conversion calls for a ‘return to creation itself’ as conscientious and responsible stewards.

Why undergo ecological conversion?

In Laudato Si' (220), Pope Francis shares attitudes and changes within us that can result from ecological conversion:

- Gratitude and selfless giving (recognizing that the world is a loving gift from God)

- Generosity, sacrifice and charity

- Lovingly aware that we are not separate from other creatures

- More creative and enthusiastic in solving world problems

- Responsibility comes from trust

How to go through an ecological transition

We must realize that conversion is a gift of the Holy Spirit, not entirely dependent on our actions.

However, we also know that we can open our hearts to God’s grace through prayer and commitment, as well as enter into a lifestyle that is suitable with Gospel values.

At its most basic level, ecological conversion involves four steps:

1. Realize that we are harming creation

“…We must examine our lives and acknowledge the way in which we have harmed God's creation through our actions and failure to act.” (LS 218).

How?

By reading scientific reports, such as the Living Planet Report, the IPCC Report on Climate Change; by experiencing an ecological examination conscience, checking the quantity of our own carbon footprint, performing energy audits, reviewing food/water/energy waste habits.

2. Repent and return to the Creator

“Is it not true that an irresponsible use of creation begins precisely where God is marginalized or even denied? If the relationship between human creatures and the Creator is forgotten, matter is reduced to a selfish possession, man becomes the "last word", and the purpose of human existence is reduced to a scramble for the maximum number of possessions possible." (Benedict XVI, General Audience August 26, 2009).

“Returning to the Creator in humble and sincere repentance is fundamental, if we are to heal the land and ourselves,” wrote Father Kureethadam in Laudato Si’ Green Ten Commandments.

How?

Praying, receiving the sacrament of reconciliation, getting reconcile with one another, reading and meditating on the Bible.

3. Commit to change and become a good manager of creativity

An ecological conversion “must translate into concrete ways of thinking and acting that are more respectful of creation” (Pope Francis encyclical, September 1, 2016).

How?

Live Laudato Si' in your daily life (changing lifestyle, cultivating virtues and attitudes mentioned in Laudato Si' 220).

4. Conversion at the Community Level

Ecological conversion takes place at the individual level, but as Pope Francis noted, conversion at the community level is important as well: “Social problems must be addressed by community networks and not simply by the sum of individuals good deeds … The ecological conversion needed to bring about lasting change is also a community conversion. (LS 219).

How?

Identify the community you are connecting with, such as a parish, a Laudato Si' circle group, or an affiliate of the Laudato Si Movement; determine how to transform it to live Laudato Si' and helpfully use resources such as this eco-parish guide.

Are you ready to start and move forward in the ecological conversion process? Sign up for the free Laudato Si' Animator training course at <https://laudatosianimators.org/> which will help you understand the root causes of the climate crisis and give you the tools you need to lead your community allies to bring Laudato Si' to life.

Jonathon Braden

(source: laudatosimovement.org)