International Commission for Integral Ecology
Charism and Laudato Si’
The Dicastery for Integral Human Development invited congregations to show how their charism is in harmony with Laudato Si’.
This document offers a shared reading between the spirituality of the Incarnation and integral ecology.
The spirituality of the Incarnation leads us to the heart of God’s love and invites us to recognize divine presence in all reality.
UJ B.L n°3-4: “This Spirit gathers us into one family... Jesus reveals the true face of the Father and of the human person.”
LS n°65: “Each of us is willed, each of us is loved, each of us is necessary.”
Incarnation and God’s presence
We are called to embody God’s love among the most disadvantaged and to listen to the suffering of the earth.
UJ B.L n°5 and n°33: “Close to all, with a preference for the poor... every human face is a place of encounter.”
LS n°2 and n°96: “Among the most abandoned is our earth... each creature is important in God’s eyes.”
Preference for the poor
Recognizing God’s presence in nature commits us to care, sobriety and shared responsibility.
UJ B.L n°24: “We receive the earth as a possession to be shared.”
LS n°93: “The earth is a shared inheritance, whose fruits are meant to benefit everyone.”
Creation as a shared good
Social and environmental crises are connected; therefore, responses must integrate justice and environmental care.
UJ B.L n°24: “The cry of the poor and dispossessed rises up to God.”
LS n°49: “A true ecological approach always becomes a social approach.”
One single cry
Prayer, silence, community life and daily work are a path of conversion and service.
UJ B.L n°29 and n°8: “We humbly contribute to creation... we participate in the Church’s mission.”
LS n°217, n°219 and n°231: “The ecological crisis calls for interior conversion... and concrete gestures of care.”
Interior conversion and mission
Education helps shape responsible lifestyles, especially with children, young people and adults.
UJ B.L n°8: “These priorities are expressed in education and formation.”
LS n°211: “Environmental education can encourage behaviors with direct impact.”