Day of reflection to focus on “Laudato Si’ ”

Some common responses to the subject of climate change include “What can I do when industries and exploiters of the land are causing the problem?”

Or nonchalantly throwing a water bottle out the car window because “it’s a big Earth, one bottle won’t hurt.”

All such actions hurt the Earth, as seen by record-setting high temperatures, drought, severe weather and poor air quality. South Louisiana and the Gulf Coast have experienced the impact through hurricanes and floods, leaving in their aftermath loss of lives and massive damage.

The United Nations holds summits to address climate change and governments set regulations but even more important to help the suffering Earth is to care for creation.

On Jan. 28, beginning at 9 a.m., The Lay Associates of the Sisters of St. Joseph in Baton Rouge will host a day of reflection and formation and call to action to help spread the message of Pope Francis’ encyclical “Laudato Si’.” The event will be held at the St. Joseph’s Academy’s Mother Alice Hall, 2980 Kleinert Ave., Baton Rouge.

The morning session will focus on Pope Francis’ call to be good stewards of the Earth. After lunch, which is provided, the afternoon session from 1 – 3 p.m. will include brainstorming on taking practical steps to answer the call of “Laudato Si’.”

In May 2015, Pope Francis published the encyclical, “Laudato Si’ ” (“Praise Be to You”). The title is based on the Umbrian phrase from “The Canticle of the Sun” by St. Francis of Assisi, the patron saint of ecology. The subtitle is “Care for Our Common Home.”

In the encyclical Pope Francis challenges “every person on the planet” to ensure justice for the environment. He urges society to turn away from the idea of progress at the expense of the Earth’s resources and calls on people to recognize that development which fails to respect the Earth is a false economy.

While some have picked up on the encyclical and educated people on its message, especially in the Baton Rouge area, many are unfamiliar with “Laudato Si’ ” or wonder how they can meet the challenge.

The Baton Rouge day of reflection will be led by Kascha Sanor, director of social and environmental justice for the Congregation of St. Joseph. Sanor offers an interactive presentation that introduces “Laudato Si’ ” and integral ecology, facilitates personal and small group reflection and prayerfully leads to a collective call to action.

Sanor said “Laudato Si’ ” challenges people to go deeper in their faith and to look around at what is happing to the Earth and people.

Because developing countries are the ones most often heavily impacted by the environment, Pope Francis emphasizes that by caring for the environment, people are also helping provide justice for the poor.

“The encyclical illuminates that the cry of the Earth and the cry of the poor are one,” Sanor said.

She noted this is in keeping with the charism of the Sisters of St. Joseph to honor the oneness with each other and the Earth.

The leadership team of the Associates of the Congregation of the Sisters of St. Joseph in Baton Rouge said it is excited to have the opportunity to host and introduce Sanor to the Baton Rouge community. They noted that “Laudato Si’ ” fits in with one of the charisms of the Sisters of St. Joseph to care for creation. The day will also provide information and challenge people to make changes for the integrity of the environment.

“(Sanor) will lead us in a day of reflection examining Pope Francis’ encyclical. Pope Francis’ message informs our intellect, challenges our spirit and unites the community to care for our ‘common home,’ ” wrote the leadership team.

To RSVP for the event, email vickilaplace@gmail.com.