Laudato Si’!

Welcome

Concern for the gift of God’s creation and working towards renewal of our relationship with Him through caring for the natural world is not a new or recent idea; it is reflected in the Psalms, Scriptures and the life of Jesus as well as the lives of the saints, not least St Francis of Assisi.

Many popes have written encyclicals, published books and papers on environmental issues including Pope St John Paul and Pope Benedict as well as other learned theologians. The most recent and best known of these is Pope Francis’ 2015 Encyclical LAUDATO SI’: CARE FOR OUR COMMON HOME

The Holy Father’s Encyclical begins:

1. “LAUDATO SI’, mi’ Signore” – “Praise be to you, my Lord”. In the words of this beautiful canticle, Saint Francis of Assisi reminds us that our common home is like a sister with whom we share our life and a beautiful mother who opens her arms to embrace us. “Praise be to you, my Lord, through our Sister, Mother Earth, who sustains and governs us, and who produces various fruit with coloured flowers and herbs”.
   
   

2. This sister now cries out to us because of the harm we have inflicted on her by our irresponsible use and abuse of the goods with which God has endowed her. We have come to see ourselves as her lords and masters, entitled to plunder her at will. The violence present in our hearts, wounded by sin, is also reflected in the symptoms of sickness evident in the soil, in the water, in the air and in all forms of life. This is why the earth herself, burdened and laid waste, is among the most abandoned and maltreated of our poor; she “groans in travail” (Rom 8:22). We have forgotten that we ourselves are dust of the earth (cf. Gen 2:7); our very bodies are made up of her elements, we breathe her air and we receive life and refreshment from her waters.

Nothing in this world is indifferent to us!

The Seven Goals of Laudato Si’ are:

Response to the cry of the Earth;
Response to the cry of the poor;
Ecological economics;
Adoption of simple lifestyles;
Ecological education;
Ecological spirituality;
Emphasis on community involvement and participatory action.

In the Diocese of Leeds, we spread awareness of Laudato Si’, try to live as far as possible by its principles, and communicate its messages. In his Encyclical, the Holy Father mentions the word ‘dialogue’ 25 times, describing the gravity of the ecological crisis demanding that we all look to the common good, embarking on ‘a path of dialogue which demands patience, self-discipline and generosity, always keeping in mind that realities are greater than ideas’. This page aims to inform, engage and enthuse all in hearing – and listening to – the cry of the poor and the cry of the earth. Our response to the climate crisis is to prioritise deeds over words as we aim for on-going ecological-conversion.

Click here to read what some of our parishioners, Laudato Si’ Advocates, members of the Diocesan Curia and the Bishop have to say on Environmental issues – but – actions speak louder than words! Our DIOCESE OF LEEDS ENVIRONMENTAL POLICY refrains from making easy, empty promises or grand gestures. Instead, we actively aim for 2030, following practices in fuel provision, in property building and maintenance and in travel which are achievable, measurable – and have a real impact in the aim towards carbon neutrality.

On 5 July 2022, it was announced that our diocese was one of 19 UK faith institutions divesting from fossil fuel companies. 

Bishop Marcus said: ’The Diocese of Leeds has enjoyed a long partnership with Interdiocesan Fuel Management (IFM) and its commitment to renewable energy, and we have now divested ourselves of the few remaining investments in fossil fuel companies. As we continue to strive for realistic, achievable, incremental goals, specific to the needs and context of our local ecology, we are also respectful of the worldwide environment. Care for Our Common Home is woven into the warp and weft of our Diocesan Family life; not only do we proclaim ‘Laudato Si’!’ with our words, but also give praise to Him in all our deeds!’

Working with Interdiocesan Fuel Management (IFM) for many years, our most recent Green Energy certificates show progress in the right direction: 100% of our electricity and gas is now from renewable sources.