“There are no lasting changes without cultural changes … and there are no cultural changes without personal changes” (LD, 70)

This week, we joined with the Church to celebrate Laudato Si’ Week. Coinciding with Pentecost, we are called to unite in community and reflect on the urgent message of Laudato Si’. Pope Francis’ encyclical highlights the pressing need for both personal and cultural transformation in the face of our ecological and climate crises. As we observe this week, we are reminded of our collective responsibility to nurture hope and take action for our "suffering planet" (Laudato Si' 2).

Laudate Deum, a follow-up to Laudato Si’, serves as a poignant reminder of the urgency of the original message, emphasizing the need for immediate and meaningful change. The themes of these documents underscore that addressing ecological issues requires both policy changes and personal spiritual transformation.

This year’s Laudato Si’ Week theme draws inspiration from the symbol for the Season of Creation 2024: "firstfruits." In biblical tradition, firstfruits signify the initial harvest offered in gratitude to God, symbolizing hope and the promise of future abundance. This metaphor invites us to be seeds of hope in our own lives and in the world, rooted deeply in faith and love.

As seeds, our actions may seem small and insignificant at times, but they have the potential to grow into powerful forces for change. By cultivating our own "firstfruits" of hope, we contribute to a broader movement of ecological renewal and transformation. Our efforts, combined with those of our communities, can bear fruit in ways that restore and heal our planet.

The Sisters of Notre Dame de Namur Ohio Province are dedicated to proclaiming the goodness of God in all of creation, with special attention to the needs of those suffering from injustice and poverty. This commitment is embodied in the Dorothy Stang Initiative, named in honor of Sister Dorothy Stang, a passionate advocate for environmental justice and the rights of the poor. This initiative strives to stimulate and facilitate the response to the call of the Laudato Si’ Action Platform among members of their extended community.

These Laudato Si' Week guides are derived from our weekly "Your Little Bit of Good" blog posts, published by the Office of Justice, Peace, and Care for Creation for more than three years. Through these posts, we provide practical steps and reflections to inspire and guide your efforts in caring for creation.

We invite you to join us in our Dorothy Stang Initiative and take part in Laudato Si' Action. Visit the "Get Involved" tab on our website to learn more and engage with our initiatives. If you have any questions, do not hesitate to contact us at [email protected].