Saint Patrick Catholic Church & School is hosting an in-depth discussion of Pope Francis’ Encyclical Letter on the Environment starting April 12, 2016 at 7 PM. The conversation will continue on April 26, 2016 and May 10, 2016.
Professor Punsalan-Manlimos Discussed Laudato Si
The upcoming discussion group was born out of a talk presented earlier this year at Saint Patrick Catholic Church by Professor Catherine Punsalan-Manlimos, the Director of the Institute for Catholic Thought and Culture at Seattle University on Laudato Si released in 2015.
“Pope Francis has given us the profound gift of drawing our attention to care for all the earth,” said Punsalan-Manlimos. “When we reach back into our sacred texts, we find this message written throughout— the message is not new. In his encyclical, Pope Francis is weaving together the wisdom of our faith tradition and its moral demands to take our proper place in God’s creation, in God’s ecosystem, with humility and restraint”.
Praise Be to You
Laudato Si, Italian for “Praise Be to You,” is the second encyclical from Pope Francis after Lumen Fidei (“Light of Faith”), which was released in 2013. The encyclical on the environment has the subtitle, On Care For Our Common Home.
In the letter the Pope says:
“It is my hope that this Encyclical Letter, which is now added to the Body of the Church’s social teaching, can help us to acknowledge the appeal, immensity and urgency of the challenges we face.”
“I will offer some inspired guidelines for human development to be found in the treasure of Christian Spiritual experience.”
“Change is impossible without motivation and a process of education”
The Pope’s Prayer Intention for Creation
Pope Francis is building on a long Catholic tradition of concern and care for creation in his encyclical. In February 2016, the Pope’s prayer intention for creation was: “that we may take good care of creation— a gift freely given— culitivating and protecting it for future generations.”
Resources to Prepare for the Discussion
Refresh your knowledge of Laudato Si and prepare for the discussion about the encyclical by checking out an article from the News Archives, What is Laudato Si?
Care for the Environment is Not Just a Catholic Thing
Laudato Si— is not just a catholic thing— just like the monthly intentions of the Holy Father concern the challenges facing humanity so does his encyclical on the environment. On Care for Our Common Home, is addressed to all peoples of the world not just the Church.
Join us for this special ecumenical adult education opportunity to discuss Laudato Si.
Questions?
Email Deborah Cade, Discussion Group Facilitator or call 253-593-4569.
Download the Laudato Si Discussion Flyer and post it at your favorite coffee shop, the lunchroom at your job or other social gathering place.
