Laudato Si’: A call to love Earth – and one another
“Laudato Si’, mi’ Signore –
St. Francis of Assisi, echoed by Pope Francis
Praise be to you, my Lord.”
In his groundbreaking encyclical, Laudato Si’, Pope Francis invited us all to a deeper awareness of how the cry of the Earth and the cry of the poor are intimately connected. He calls this “integral ecology”—a way of seeing and living that honors creation, protects the vulnerable and restores right relationships with God, each other and the natural world.
Laudato Siˊ is an important addition to the body of modern Catholic Social Teaching (CST) which has developed over the last 130 years. CST is a rich treasure of wisdom about building a just society and living lives of holiness amidst the challenges of modern society.
A Passionist Perspective on Laudato Si’
For us Passionists, this message resonates deeply with our charism. We are called to keep alive the memory of the Passion of Jesus, not just as a past event, but as a living reality. We see Christ crucified today in those who suffer: in the poor, in the marginalized, and yes, in the wounded Earth itself.
We believe that caring for creation is not optional. It is a Gospel imperative—a response to the suffering Christ we encounter in our broken world.
Rooted in the Passion, we embrace Laudato Si’ as:
- A call to conversion – turning away from habits that harm the planet and the poor.
- A path of compassion – standing with those whose lives are most affected by environmental destruction.
- A spiritual practice – recognizing God’s presence in all creation, and responding with awe, gratitude and responsibility.
- A communal mission – joining hands with others to work for justice, peace and sustainability.
Holy Cross Province Commits to Laudato Si’ Action Platform
We publicly commit to join the worldwide Catholic community in responding to Pope Francis’ appeal to participate in a seven-year journey toward sustainability and integral ecology by developing a Laudato Si’ Action Platform.
How We Live Laudato Si’
Across the Passionist Family, priests, brothers and laity, we are taking steps to live Laudato Si’ in real and meaningful ways:
- Hosting retreats and reflections on ecological spirituality, especially through the Passionist Earth & Spirit Center (Louisville, KY) and Thomas Berry Place (Jamaica, NY)
- Engaging in education and advocacy around climate justice, especially through the Passionist Solidarity Network
- Supporting and participating in the Laudato Si’ Action Platform
- Practicing sustainable living in our communities and ministries. View our Sustainable Purchasing Guide
- Deepening our prayer and contemplation with creation
We do this not just as an initiative, but as an expression of who we are — a people who believe in the transforming power of the Cross and Resurrection, for all of creation.