Celebrating 10 years of Laudato Si'
Ten years on from its publication, CAFOD partners and staff consider the impact of this groundbreaking encyclical and how it inspires us to act today.
Sunset over Lake Kariba.
Friday after Ascension
Intention
Today we pray for the grace to act as God does towards creation with caring, compassion and justice.
Opening prayer
Come, Holy Spirit, fill the hearts of your faithful.
And kindle in them the fire of your love.
Send forth your Spirit and they shall be created.
And you will renew the face of the earth.
Scripture
“In the beginning, God created the heavens and the earth. Now the earth was a formless void, there was darkness over the deep, and God's spirit hovered over the water.” (Genesis 1:1-2)
Reflection
The first image we encounter in the Bible is this beautiful picture of the spirit of God moving over the surface of the waters at the dawn of creation. Everything that follows in the scriptures is set in the context of the goodness of creation and our call to care for our common home.
This call is especially urgent today in the light of the climate emergency. Let’s pray today that God’s nurturing spirit will challenge and strengthen us to make profound changes in our lifestyle. Changes that will prevent further damage to our environment and restore creation for the common good.
To ponder today
What changes can I make to better care for the gift of creation?
Prayer
Come Holy Spirit,
blow away division and despair.
Light your flame of courage and hope in us
and warm our hearts with wisdom and love.
Be our Helper, as we seek your ways of justice.
Be our Comforter, as we share your peace with our wounded world.
Be our Advocate, as we call for the fullness of life for all. Amen.
Action
Join us in celebrating the 10th anniversary of Laudato Si' and the lasting legacy of the encyclical.
Laudato Si' resources
Find resources to reflect and respond to Laudato Si' in the light of your faith, including prayers, liturgies, a study guide and ideas for practical action.