2025 marks the centenary of the Canticle of Creatures and the tenth anniversary of Pope Francis’ encyclical, Laudato Si. As this is also the Jubilee Year with the theme of “Pilgrims of Hope”, St Francis serves as a true example of a Pilgrim of Hope. In Laudato Si, Pope Francis described St Francis’ deep love and reverence for God, all humanity and all God’s creatures. The Canticle of Creatures was the inspiration behind Pope Francis’ encyclical, Laudato Si.
I, Sr Shirley Aeria, contributed the article below to the International Franciscan publication, Propositum, to celebrate these special anniversaries.
Living the Message of Laudato Si – an outflow of the Canticle of Creatures
The Canticle of Creatures by St Francis of Assisi speaks to me of the significant Franciscan value of right relationship with every aspect of creation. “Praise be to you, my Lord, through our Sister, Mother Earth, who sustains and governs us,”. ”This sister now cries out to us because of the harm we have inflicted on her by our irresponsible use and abuse of the goods with which God has endowed her”. (Laudato Si’ (LSI) 1-2). The timely message of Laudato Si’ spurs me on to live it.
To live this message effectively, there are salient areas to consider: ecological conversion, living sustainably and be more involved in community activities addressing environmental Issues.
”The external deserts in the world are growing, because the internal deserts have become so vast” … (LSI ch6:217). Pope Francis amplified the importance of experiencing a deep ecological conversion in order that we can develop a certain sensitivity to our planet and have a right relationship with all aspects of creation.
I have found that being on the journey of ecological conversion, it has impelled me to choose a sustainable lifestyle. Living sustainably is both gratifying and challenging. Gratifying in knowing that I am contributing in some way to address the climate issues. Challenging in facing the opposition and indifference of some and the need for commitment, perseverance and sacrifices in continuing with my sustainable option.
Living sustainably is an effective way to use the earth’s resources, so abundantly provided by Brother Wind, Brother Sun, Brother Fire and Sister Water, both responsibly and wisely.
Living in a ‘throwaway culture’ impacts us both consciously and unconsciously. It is ever more important that we adopt sustainable practices to combat the prevalent culture. When we live sustainably, we reduce our carbon footprint, conserve natural resources, and protect biodiversity. By minimizing waste generation and implementing efficient energy use, we contribute to the preservation of ecosystems and alleviate climate change.(LSI ch 6:229) “We must regain the conviction that we need one another, that we have a shared responsibility for others and the world, ..” We cannot seek to redress the ecological imbalance alone. Courage and firm determination are vital to ensure that we garner support from the human community so that various aspects of our common home are brought to the attention of governments and other influencers resulting in practical measures which can be initiated to bring about positive change.
Being a member of the Laudato Si’ Movement and trained as a Laudato Si’ Animator have enabled me to be involved in both their campaigns and other environmental activities. Participating in our parish’s rewilding project and engaging in conservation ministry both in the local park and in our garden have further added to my attempts to help tackle environmental issues as a community.
In living the Laudato Si’ message as effectively as we can, we are preserving both the dignity of and reverence for all aspects of creation as expressed so beautifully in the Canticle of Creatures.