Praised be you, my Lord with all your creatures, especially Sir Brother Sun, who is the day through whom you bring us light….
Praised be you, my Lord, through Sister Moon and Stars. In heaven you have formed them, lightsome and precious and fair.
COMPOSED 800 YEARS ago, St. Francis of Assisi’s “Canticle of Creation,” encapsulates the wonder and thanksgiving of our Creator, celebrating the awe of the interconnectedness of all living things observed around him. These words also serve as the title and opening lines of the late Pope Francis’ encyclical, “Laudato Si’: On Care for our Common Home” which outlines the call of Catholics and all peoples to be stewards of Creation and acknowledge the harms of pollution, overconsumption, and climate change.
This year marks the 10th year of this important document and vision which coincides with the Jubilee Year of Hope. In this spirit, our diocese joins a national movement entitled, “Pilgrims of Hope for Creation” which seeks to inspire all generations to connect to ecological spirituality and advocacy efforts in this special time in our Church. Here in Orange County, with sundrenched hills, shady oaks trees and salty waves, we have no shortage of praise for our local surroundings!
This summer, the Offices of Family Life and Life, Justice, and Peace have joined forces to highlight the beauty, healing benefits and spiritual connection to our local surroundings after receiving a grant from the Victory Noll Sisters through the Catholic Climate Covenant. The vision is to incorporate the positive benefits for mental health in being outdoors as well as reconnection to family and God as we experience nature together.
A major aspect of this initiative is to get kids to unplug with less screen time and for families to reconnect in the outdoors. Many recent studies have shown an overwhelmingly positive impact and reduced stress levels of participating in activities in nature.
There are a few ways for families and folks of all ages to get involved between Laudato Si’ Week at the end of May and through the Season of Creation which ends on St. Francis’ feast day, Oct. 4.
■ Sign up for one of the experiential hikes on September 13 (Oak Canyon Nature Center) or Sept. 27 (Bolsa Chica) which will be led with accompaniment by clergy, naturalist and Catholic Therapist. Spots are limited, sign up soon!
■ Participate in the “Creation Camino Challenge” by using Field Guide of reflections and mediations on your own pilgrimage outdoors and post a photo with the #CreationCamino to the diocese Socials. We’ll have raffles periodically with family-fun prizes for the winners!
Keep an eye on our socials for other possible pop-ups too! We hope parishes and the faithful will be inspired to take this a step further in integrating wellness walks, hikes, and ecological practices into their faith life.
There is much to explore in addition to info on the Creation Camino Challenge! Check out the webpage with inspiration such as The Laudato Si’ Library list of recommended books along with ideas of outdoor trails and experiences in OC. In addition, check out advocacy and other resources on how we can do our part to build a greener at home, parish and world. The time for this initiative could not be more important.
“During this 10th year anniversary of Laudato Si’ it is encouraging to see an increase in interest and engagement – which has always been true in pockets but now expanding and uniting – with our beautiful Catholic social doctrine on the care for creation,” explained Fr. Greg Walgenbach, Director of Life, Justice, & Peace & Missions Office.
“As Pope Leo XIV now reminds us, in gratitude and continuity with his predecessors, Francis, Benedict XVI, and John Paul II, we are called ‘to be builders of integration… working for ecological, social and environmental justice.’ We must remember and live the reality that responding to the cry of the earth and the cry of the poor is not something separate from but actually integral to our evangelization and formation as missionary disciples. Let us never tire of planting and welcoming the seed that is God’s Word.”
One of our own young adult leaders helping lead the Laudato Si’ California chapter, Janielle Chris Torregosa, recently was able to participate in advocacy days in Sacramento.
“I’m so thankful to have started the Easter season by joining Laudato Si California chapter’s pilgrimage to the state capital,” she shared. “Over 400 youths and adults came from all over the state to advocate environmental justice policies and celebrate the 10th year anniversary of Laudato Si and this year’s Jubilee!”
As these seeds of inspiration are planted, we hope this helps us grow in connection to Creation, mental wellness and our families as we care for one another and the planet.
For more information visit:
rcbo.org/common-home
https://catholicpilgrimsofhope.org/
To join the SoCal Laudato Si’ Chapter Updates:
https://groupme.com/join_group/101030196/fNb0XecB