Caring for Creation

Laudato Si’ Week 2021, was held May 16-25, and was the crowning event of the Special Laudato Si’ Anniversary Year, and a celebration of the great progress the whole Church has made on its journey to ecological conversion.

Laudato Si’ Week 2021 was also a time to reflect on what the COVID-19 pandemic has taught us and prepare for the future with hope.

Learn more about this speacil week at the Laudato Si’ Week website, here.

I urgently appeal, then, for a new dialogue about how we are shaping the future of our planet.
We need a conversation which includes everyone, since the environmental challenge we are undergoing,
and its human roots, concern and affect us all. - Pope Francis, Laudato Si’, 14.

The Catholic Church brings a distinct perspective to the discussion of environmental questions, by lifting up the moral dimensions of these issues and the needs of the most vulnerable among us. This unique contribution is rooted in Catholic teaching calling us to care for creation and for “the least of these.” (Mt 25:40)

We need a united and conscious Catholic response to climate change, environmental harm, and depletion of natural resources, the Diocese of Providence invites Rhode Island individuals and congregations to engage in various initiatives focused on caring for creation and the poor.

Praised be you, my Lord, with all your creatures,
especially Sir Brother Sun,
who is the day and through whom you give us light.
And he is beautiful and radiant with great splendor;
and bears a likeness of you, Most High.
Praised be you, my Lord, through Sister Moon and the stars,
in heaven you formed them clear and precious and beautiful.
Praised be you, my Lord, through Brother Wind,
and through the air, cloudy and serene, and every kind of weather
through whom you give sustenance to your creatures.
Praised be you, my Lord, through Sister Water,
who is very useful and humble and precious and chaste.
Praised be you, my Lord, through Brother Fire,
through whom you light the night,
and he is beautiful and playful and robust and strong.

     -Canticle of St. Francis, quoted in Laudato Si’ 87

Diocesan staff is available to work with Pastors, parish committees and Director’s of Religious Education in educating the faithful while inspiring committed action on behalf of the earth and its inhabitants.

Laudato Si’ 
Learn more here about Holy Father Pope Francis’ June 2015 encyclical Laudato Si’ which is bringing worldwide attention to the Catholic Church’s long-held concerns for the human person and for the natural environment – and the interconnected threats to them both.

Subscribe to the Catholic Climate Covenant Newsletter

From the Vatican: Laudato Si' website

Ecology and the Eucharist

Taking steps to live out Laudato Si' fully in the parish and in the community

10 Things Pope Francis Wants You to Know About the Environment

Climate Change: Earth Day Guide (April 22nd)

One Cathedral Square, Providence, RI 02903