“Today, however, we have to realize that a true ecological approach always becomes a social approach; it must integrate questions of justice in debates on the environment, so as to hear both the cry of the earth and the cry of the poor.”
Laudato Si (49)
Being stewards of God’s creation.
Have we noticed that our common home is not as it should be? “Christ has no body now on earth but yours, no hands, no feet but yours. Yours are the eyes with which Christ looks out his compassion to the world. Yours are the feet with which he is to go about doing good. Yours are the hands with which he is to bless us now.” St. Teresa of Avila.
Last week we highlighted videos from Franciscans in Ellicott City, MD providing fresh food to those in need and from young Catholic leaders across the country who are addressing climate change issues. This week we will hear from parishes in St. James Parish, LA and Diocese of Stockton, CA.
Each of these videos are about three to five minutes long and introduce the work of U.S. Catholic communities as they respond to Laudato Si and Laudate Deum. This week we introduce the last two of six videos in the series. After all six videos are presented, we will have an opportunity for discussion.
The first video this week highlights the work of Covenant Board member Sharon Lavigne as she addresses the environmental and health issues impacting communities in “Cancer Alley” Louisiana.
The second video features the work by the Environmental Justice Program at Catholic Charities, Diocese of Stockton, CA and how Catholic Social Teaching calls them to confront the environmental challenges harming poor and vulnerable communities.
How can we bring care of creation into the center of community life here at St. Patrick-St. Anthony? You are invited to join us on this journey. Please contact us through the Committee for Social Justice.