The language of Ecology (the science of environmental systems, their interconnectedness and interdependence) is easily apprehended by Catholics. We are familiar with the language of community, communion, mutuality, transformation.
Bringing Ecology and Faith together allows us to humbly go beyond a mere human focus and place ourselves within Earth itself. In the communal celebration of the Eucharist we profess our relationship and connectedness with each other in God. The bread and wine, "the fruits of the earth", call us to be the body of Christ to the world, to view all life as sacred. Such a faith position enables us to see the Earth as God’s first revelation, God’s gift to all, rather than seeing it from a position of power, domination and exploitation.
"The universe is a communion of subjects, not a collection of objects." (Thomas Berry)
Columban Resources
Stations of Forests This prayerful resource laments the stages in the death of part of God’s Creation. It incorporates issues related to rainforest destruction: extractive industries, loss of biodiversity and climate change. |
Video Resource
Resources to support Pope Francis' Laudato Si'
"Laudato Si’, mi’ Signore (Praise be to you, my Lord)"
In the words of this beautiful canticle, St Francis of Assisi reminds us that our common home is like a sister with whom we share our life and a beautiful mother who opens her arms to embrace us. In 2015, Columban Missionaries welcomed and celebrated the release of Pope Francis’ Encyclical on the Environment, Laudato Si’ (published 18 June 2015).
- Listen to the Columban Laudato Si' audio podcast via SoundCloud (narrated by John Doherty)
- Explore other Columban Resources that support Laudato Si'
Book Resources
By Fr Sean McDonagh SSC:
(Visit Good Reads to view the book listing below)
- Climate Change: The Challenge to All of Us
- Dying for Water
- Fukushima, The End of Nuclear Energy?
- Passion for the Earth
- The Death of Life: The Horror of Extinction
- The Greening of the Church
- To Care for the Earth
By Fr Charles Rue SSC: