Sharing by Paring Bert, SJ

Ecological Issues are Social Issues

‘ Cry of the Poor, Cry of the EarthDaing ng Dukha, Daing ng Lupa

• We can awaken our hearts and move towards an “ecological conversion” in which we see the intimate connection between God and all beings, and more readily listen to the “cry of the earth and the cry of the poor” (No. 49).

2.Following the flow

of ideas in…

Overview: Urgent AppealThis introductory section provides the

context for the encyclical, including how previous papal documents have led to and contributed to this new statement.

It summarises Pope Francis’ challenge to seek sustainable and integral development in order to protect our common home. 

A new dialogue on the future of the planet is needed. While he acknowledges the work of people to address environmental degradation and social injustice, he also recognises that this work must be shared by more people, for indeed these concerns affect us all.

Chapter 2. The Gospel of CreationOutlines the contribution of religious

beliefs and faith traditions to an integral ecology and human development.

Acknowledging the role of science and philosophy, the Encyclical also seeks to show how faith convictions can offer a foundation of care for the environment and care for the poor and most vulnerable sectors of society.

As Christians we are reminded of our responsibility for creation and are called to reaffirm our commitment to care for the environment.

Chapter 3: The Problem of Technocratic Paradigm and Anthropocentrism

Pope Francis tries to ascertain the deepest causes of the ecological crisis, which include the technology, globalization, and modern anthropocentrism.

He believes that technology gives those who possess knowledge on such technologies and have the economic resources to use them an impressive dominance over the whole of humanity and the entire world.

Chapter 4: Not just Ecosystem but Integral Ecology

This chapter highlights that nature cannot be regarded as something separate from ourselves, or just simply a mere setting in which we live.

Pope Francis believes that we are not facing two separate crises, but rather one complex crisis that is both social and environmental.

Chapter 5: Need for Dialogue and Action

Pope Francis spotlights in chapter 5 the need for a change of direction and other courses of action and outlines the major paths of dialogue which can help us escape the spiral of self-destruction that currently engulfs us.

Pope Francis advocates dialogue on the environment in the international community, dialogue for new national and local policies, the politics and economy in dialogue for human fulfilment, and the religions in dialogue with science.

Chapter 6. Ecological Education and Spirituality

Change must happen in terms of our lifestyles and particularly in our consumption. We as consumers have the power to influence political, social and economic systems, simply by our attitude towards consumption.

A new education is needed to understand humanity’s covenant with the environment.

Environmental education, this has been mostly about informing, rather than in instilling new habits, attitudes and values.

A more practical environmental education is needed that will encourage responsibility and action.

Laudato Si, Signore!

Praise to You, Lord!

Purihin Ka, Panginoon!

3.Feeling the impact

of…

Chapter 1: What is Happening to Our Common Home?

Chapter 2: The Gospel of Creation

Chapter 3: Human Roots of the Ecological Crisis

4. Finding ways of teaching…

Visualize, Visualize!

Use Folk Songs

Use Folk Songs

Use Folk Songs

Changes in the Catechesis

Walang Kamatayang Asin

5. Fixing our lives in line with…

Call for ecological conversion

• At heart, this document, addressed to “every person on the planet” is a call for a new way of looking at things, a “bold cultural revolution” (No. 3, 114).

• We face an urgent crisis, when, thanks to our actions, the earth has begun to look more and more like, in Francis’ vivid language, “an immense pile of filth” (No. 21).

• Still, the document is hopeful, reminding us that because God is with us… We can awaken our hearts and move towards an “ecological conversion” in which we see the intimate connection between God and all beings, and more readily listen to the “cry of the earth and the cry of the poor” (No. 49).

Indigenous Peoples

146. In this sense, it is essential to show particular concern for indigenous communities and their cultural

traditions. They are not merely one minority among others, but should be the principal dialogue partners, especially when large projects affecting their lands are

proposed.

For them, land is not a commodity but rather a gift from God and from their ancestors who rest

there, a sacred space with which they need to

interact if they are to maintain their identity and values. When they

remain on their land, they themselves care

for it best.

Nevertheless, in various parts of the world, pressure is being put on them to abandon their homelands to make room for agricultural or mining projects which are undertaken without regard for the

natural and cultural degradation.

In Interreligious Dialogue, there are two Common Words: Love and Home

Laudato Si is inspired by St. Francis of Assisi

But, I think, Pope Francis goes beyond the poeticromanticism of Francis of Assisi.

We can adopt the prophetic vision of the Jesuit poet Gerard Manley Hopkins

Daigdig ay puspós ng ganda’t garà ng Diyos. Sisiklab tulad ng kislap ng inalog na palarâ; Tumitipon sa tigib tila pagtagas ng gatang piniga.Ba’t ba tao’y di pa rin sumunod sa kaniyang tungkod?Sali’t saling lahi na’ng kumayod, kumayod, kumayod; At sa kalakal naglapnos; nagluhâ, nanlagkit sa paggawa; Nadamtan ng bahid at nadamay sa baho ng tao: ang lupaNgayo’y tigang, paa ma’y manhid na, sa kásasapatos.

At sa lahat ng ito, kalikasa’y di mandin nalulustay; Sa kailalima’y buháy ang mahal na bukal na ubod ng tining,At sa Kanlurang maitim huling ilaw man ay pumanaw, Oh, liwayway, sa kayumangging bingit pasilanga’y susupling—Sapagkat halimhim ng Espiritung Banal ang lupaypay Na daigdig sa mainit na dibdib at ah! bagwis na maningning.

—Gerard Manley Hopkins, SJ /Albert E. Alejo, SJ

GANDA'T GARA

NG DIYOS

‘We can awaken our hearts and move

towards an “ecological conversion” in which we see the intimate connection between

God and all beings, and more readily listen to the “cry of the earth

and the cry of the poor” (No. 49).

POINTS FOR REFLECTION

POINTS FOR REFLECTION

POINTS FOR REFLECTION

A prayer for our earthAll-powerful God, you are present in the whole universeand in the smallest of your creatures.You embrace with your tenderness all that exists.Pour out upon us the power of your love, that we may protect life and beauty.Fill us with peace, that we may liveas brothers and sisters, harming no one.O God of the poor,help us to rescue the abandoned and forgotten of this earth,so precious in your eyes.Bring healing to our lives,that we may protect the world and not prey on it,

that we may sow beauty, not pollution and destruction.Touch the heartsof those who look only for gain at the expense of the poor and the earth.Teach us to discover the worth of each thing, to be filled with awe and contemplation, to recognize that we are profoundly united with every creatureas we journey towards your infinite light.We thank you for being with us each day.Encourage us, we pray, in our strugglefor justice, love and

SOME RESIDUAL QUOTES FROM

LAUDATO SI