The Season of Creation continues until the Feast of St. Francis on October 4th. The Church’s role in promoting the protection of the environment and the care of Creation has been addressed by Pope Francis many times but his encyclical Laudate Si is considered to be one of the best documents published in relation to the topic. Here is paragraph 14 of Laudate Si: I urgently appeal, then, for a new and dialogue about how we are shaping the future of our planet. We ned a conversation which includes everyone, since the environmental challenge we are undergoing, and its human roots, concern and affect us all. The worldwide ecological movement has already made considerable progress and led to the establishment of numerous organisations committed to raising awareness if these challenges. Regrettably, many efforts to seek concrete solutions to the environmental crisis have proved ineffective, not only because of powerful opposition but also because of a more general lack of interest. Obstructionist attitudes, even on the part of believers, can range from denial of the problem to indifference, nonchalant resignation or blind confidence in technical solutions. We require a new and universal solidarity. As the bishops of Southern Africa have stated: ‘Everyone’s talents and involvement are needed to redress the damage caused by human abuse of God’s creation, each according to his or her own culture, experience, involvements and talents.’
Roman Catholic Diocese of Cloyne, County Cork, Ireland.
