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Laudato Si’ Week runs from May 16th – May 25th, 2021 and celebrates the 6th anniversary of the publication of Laudato Si’ – Pope Francis’ Encyclical on the Environment.
Laudato Si’ is a rallying call to the church and to the world to urgently address the environmental crises our world is facing. Laudato Si’ tells us that “everything is connected” and as we celebrate Laudato Si’ this week, we are also mindful that, tragically, our current health crisis has much in common with ecological breakdown. We know that both crises are experienced most deeply by the poor, exposing the deep injustices in our societies. Both crises will be solved only through a united effort that calls on the best of the values we share.
The theme for Laudato Si’ Week this year is “For we know that things can change.” (LS, 13) and there is a fantastic line up of webinars organised by the Dicastery for Integral Development and the Global Catholic Climate Movement. Virtual international events will take place each day, including presentations by Cardinals Peter Turkson and Luis Tagle, along with Laudato Si’-inspired concerts. You can see the full programme at www.laudatosiweek.org
One webinar I would like to bring your attention to is on Wednesday 19th May at 2pm (Irish Time): Laudato Si’ Dialogue on Energy and Fossil Fuels: Global Catholic Divestment Drumbeat. This webinar will focus on how institutions across the globe are doing their part to create a more resilient future by following Vatican environmental guidelines and divesting from fossil fuels. Speakers include Bill McKibben, founder of 350.org and Cardinal Hollerich (President of COMECE). Bishop Brendan Leahy (Diocese of Limerick) will also join this panel of speakers representing the six Irish dioceses who are announcing their divestment from fossil fuels: Kildare & Leighlin; Cloyne; Clogher; Killala; Limerick and Elphin.
At the closing events of Laudato Si’ Week, the Vatican will launch the Laudato Si’ Action Platform. This is an exciting programme which aims to multiply church engagement on issues such as conversation, sustainability, and eco-spirituality. The platform will provide a seven-year roadmap for church institutions, large and small, to achieve “total sustainability” in the spirit of the encyclical within a seven-year period.
Over this past year the church team in Trócaire have hosted many workshops and events online with communities all over Ireland. The grassroots Laudato Si’ community is growing, and we are excited for the launch of the Laudato Si’ Goals and Action Platform. We look forward to encouraging communities to implement the Laudato Si’ Goals locally.
“For we know that things can change” (LS, 13)
