Laudato Si Quote
43. Human beings too are creatures of this world, enjoying a right to life and happiness, and endowed with unique dignity. So we cannot fail to consider the effects on people’s lives of environmental deterioration, current models of development and the throwaway culture.
44. Nowadays, for example, we are conscious of the disproportionate and unruly growth of many cities, which have become unhealthy to live in, not only because of pollution caused by toxic emissions but also as a result of urban chaos, poor transportation, and visual pollution and noise. Many cities are huge, inefficient structures, excessively wasteful of energy and water. Neighborhoods, even those recently built, are congested, chaotic and lacking in sufficient green space. We were not meant to be inundated by cement, asphalt, glass and metal, and deprived of physical contact with nature.
Reflection: Many are talking about the high cost of gas these days but think about how persons who are poor find transportation in both urban and rural areas, in availability, cost, and environmental impact. Think about the noise pollution, or lack of it, where you personally live. How is a contemplative approach to life possible in these spaces? “We are not meant to be inundated by cement, asphalt, glass and metal, and deprived of physical contact with nature.” How might Lent be a time for me to intentionally reflect on a human being’s “right to happiness and endowed with unique dignity”?
Action: Pay particular attention to the energy and water that you use this week. Be aware of your transportation options, and think about how others are able to get around. Pay attention to how easily you can access clean water, transportation, electricity and other forms of energy, and green space. Share this reflection with someone else.
Prayer for Ukraine and for Peace
School Sisters of Notre Dame call for peace and reconciliation through prayer. In communities designated as Shalom Centers of Prayer for Peace, sisters throughout the world pray each day of every month for peace and commit to being actively involved in peace building. Join us as we pray for peace in ourselves, in our homes, and in our world. For more, click here
Dismantling Racism
Are you looking for a way to integrate Lent and your desire to be an anti-racist? Consider registering for the workshop “White Supremacy and American Christianity” sponsored by NETWORK on April 9, 2022. Details and registration can be found here.
Racism changes how we see and welcome people, even when situations are dire. Read this Time article about racism and people of color fleeing war-torn Ukraine, and then reflect on how we would act in the US and Canada when confronted with a similar situation. Dismantling racism is work that is never completely done.
Climate Change
The Intergovernmental Panel on Climate Change (IPCC) just released a devastating report on the health of the earth and her resources. Read Ethel Hawley’s summary of the document here.
Laudato Si’ and what is happening in Ukraine are not separate issues. It is when we begin to wrestle with the intersectionality of justice issues that we begin to make changes to our lives and to our spirits. Read a Laudato Si’ response to the war in Ukraine, and pray the prayer at the end with others around the world.
The United Nations' Commission on the Status of Women (CWS66) is meeting March 14-25 with the theme "Climate Change, Environment, Disaster Risk Reduction: Gender Equality at the Centre of Solutions." Sister Beatriz Martinez-Garcia SSND, as NGO representative, invites you to watch two short videos of an overview for the work of CWS 66, and to watch the proceedings on UN Web TV both found here. Join with women from around the world in a common search for effective responses to the earth's challenges.
The overarching question for women religious in addressing Climate Change is: What is the role of women religious in response to the signs of these times? Please watch this two part webinar by Sr. Laurie Brink, OP. Professor of New Testament at Catholic Theological Union in Chicago, “For All the Earth: Integrating Charism, Mission, and Care of the Creation.” Part 1 and Part 2.
The JPIC Department highly recommends Laurie Brink’s latest book The Heavens are Telling the Glory of God published by Liturgical Press.
Justice for Immigrants
Called to be Dangerous Women (and Men): The Triune God Impels us into the Heart of the World is the theme of the Justice for Immigrants Committee Lenten reflections, based on scripture from the Sunday lectionary and linked to one immigration issue each week. This week we look at “Leaving It All Behind” – what it means to leave your country of origin, your abuelas, your language, your life as you knew it behind. Each week look for it in the newsletter, on social media, and on the homepage. Please join us in reflecting on justice for immigrants and share it with others!
Voter Voice alert: Tens of thousands of Afghans and their families have arrived in the U.S. to be resettled and are now in need of a pathway to real and lasting safety. 40% of them are children. They are here with a limited parole and no clear path to safety and stability. Please use your voice through Voter Voice to ask Congress to advance an Afghan Adjustment Act.
Haiti Partnership (See SAVE THE DATE below)
