Caring For Creation and the Poorest Among Us Pope Francis is gearing up to release his Papal Encyclical on the environment this summer and will make the humanitarian and spiritual case for acting on climate change. The much-anticipated teaching document will be the first from a pope to be devoted entirely on creation and human relationship with it. The encyclical is likely to reference such themes as: the possible causes of global warming; the human toll on climate change; the need to repair our relationship with the natural world; the call to view environmental advocacy as an opportunity for dialogue and evangelization; and a gospel call to peoples of all faiths to make lifestyle choices to reduce the existential threat to human beings from anthropogenic climate change. Pope Francis is calling on the global faith community to discern, not simply on whether our lifestyles are promoting care for creation, but also whether our social, economic, and political choices protect the interests of the poorest among us. In preparation, here is a resource for your reflection in preparing for this encyclical. Dr Ann Marie Mealey speaks about the theological underpinnings to CAFOD’s One Climate, One World campaign and what the concepts of stewardship, neighbouring and eco-feminism can teach us about caring for creation.
Wake Up The World This Summer Pope Francis wrote a letter to Sisters, Brothers,and Priests who have dedicated their lives to the Gospel to join with others to “Wake Up The World”! These words from our Pope remind me of words we Ursulines have from our Foundress, St. Angela Merici: “Act, Move, Believe, Strive, Hope, cry out with all your heart, for without doubt you will see marvelous things, if you direct everything to the praise and glory of God and the good of souls”! St. Angela also thinks we can wake up the world with the help of many others. Consider joining us this summer in a variety of service opportunities and find out for yourself. Come to the Orientation on Monday, May 18 at 7:00 PM to get started. Contact Sister Norma at 330-261-4729 for more information.
Habemus Papam: Franciscus The Catholic community of the Diocese of Youngstown rejoices at the election of Pope Francis, Cardinal Jorge Mario Bergoglio of Argentina. Pope Francis has said he will be a bishop of the people, and asked the world to pray for him, while he blesses us.We offer the new Pope our best wishes and promise him our prayers as he continues the mission of St. Peter to bring the good news of Jesus Christ to the world.