Compassion and Care for Creation
Mini Course
This free short course reminds us of our role and responsibility in caring for all who reside on our planet, Earth.
Many people from cultures all over the world are writing and speaking about the importance of reaching into our hearts and have been asking us to recognize, and commit to, our responsibility to the stewardship of our common home...Earth. This course introduces you to how we can care for our common home and for the poor and disadvantaged.
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COURSE OUTLINE:
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Welcome and Introduction
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Introduction to Pope Francis
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The Essential Message of Laudato Si'
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Laudato Si' and Humanity
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Introduction to Laudate Deum
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Action Plans for Us and Our Future Generations
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We will begin our exploration with two letters from Pope Francis, In 2015 Pope Francis wrote his Encyclical Letter, Laudato Si' and recently, on October 4, 2023 released the second part, Laudate Deum. Each of these letters asks us to engage in compassionate action on behalf of all of her inhabitants–human and more-than-human. He easily shows us the human effects of climate change and how this change directly relates to us in the areas of social and economic justice, science, peace, and health as well as our spiritual lives.
These two letters come from the head of a prominent religious figure, yet are full of universal wisdom, clarity, scientific evidence, and compassion and should not be dismissed because of their authorship. For those of you who are Catholic, you are sure to be impressed with this man's insights. And for those of us who are not, let us allow ourselves to reach into the concepts within the words which relate to our common humanity–even when reading the Pope's words that may relate to God or the holy scripture. I ask you to work toward relating the words and principles from other spiritual traditions to those of your own. It will be important for each of us to do so here–listening to the imperative messages for our Earth no matter who they come from.
The Canticle of Creation
by St. Francis of Assisi
O Creator of All, to you belong praise, glory, honor and all blessing.
Be praised, for all your creation and especially for our Brother Sun, who brings us the day and the light; he is strong and shines magnificently.
Creator, we think of you when we look at him.
Be praised, for Sister Moon, and for the stars which you have set shining and lovely in the heavens.
Be praised, for our Brothers Wind and Air and every kind of weather
by which you, uphold life in all your creatures.
Be praised, for Sister Water,
who is very useful to us, and humble and precious and pure.
Be praised, for Brother Fire, through whom you give us light in the darkness; he is bright and lively and strong.
Be praised, for Sister Earth, our Mother, who nourishes us and sustains us, bringing forth
fruits and vegetables of many kinds
and flowers of many colors.
Be praised, for those who forgive for love of you; and for those
who bear sickness and weakness
in peace and patience - you will grant them a crown.
Be praised, for our Sister Death,
whom we must all face.
I praise and bless you, Creator,
and I give thanks to you, and I will serve you in all humility.