SHCJ European Province Joins the Laudato Sí Action Platform

In 2015, Pope Francis published his second encyclical, Laudato Si' (Praise Be to You). The encyclical has the subtitle ‘On care for our common home’. In it, the Pope critiques consumerism and irresponsible development, laments environmental degradation and global warming, and calls all people of the world to take “swift and unified global action.”  He challenges all of us to “ecological conversion”, to listen to “the cry of the earth and the cry of the poor”.

In September 2021 the European Province of the Society of the Holy Child Jesus met in Harrogate for its Chapter which takes place every six years.  In response to Laudato Si’  the Sisters  voted unanimously to become part of the Laudato Si’ Action Platform, a step not only right in itself, but also a suitable element of the 175th celebrations, linking with the tree planting campaign described in the last issue of the Cornelian.

The Laudato Si’ Action Platform is a unique collaboration between the Vatican, an international coalition of Catholic organisations, and “all men and women of good will.” (LS 3) Taking a truly ground-up approach, it is rooted in the strengths and realities of communities around the world, empowering all to take “decisive action, here and now” as we journey towards a better future together. (LS 161)

Action is urgently needed. Our Creator called the human family to be the steward of creation, but we have neglected that call. Our hotter, dirtier, deader planet is driving up the risk of suffering. The most vulnerable suffer above all. At this kairos moment, we are responding to the call for healing in our relationships with God, our neighbours, and the Earth itself. Through the Laudato Si’ Action Platform, we are walking the “path to renewal” together” (LS 202).

While we welcome the decisions taken by the participants of COP26, we have to acknowledge that these are not enough to take effective “care of our common home”, and especially of the poorer nations. Individually and collectively we all need to take responsibility for the wellbeing of our planet and its creatures, including its people.

The Laudato Si’ Action Platform will offer guidance, resources and support to all who will accept this responsibility and challenge, in particular families, parishes and dioceses, educational institutions, healthcare institutions, organizations and groups (lay movements, communities, NGOs, community centres ), the economic sector, and religious orders.

We are sure many of you will be committed to this or similar endeavours.

For further information, please see: https://www.laudatosi.org