The last two weeks articles were published in the bulletin explaining the duty to care for the environment as taught in the Catechism of the Catholic Church and through an article written by the United States Conference of Catholic Bishops.

This week we will provide a very brief introduction to an Encyclical letter written by Pope Francis in 2015 on the need to Care for our Common Home entitled, Laudato Si, as well as an apostolic exhortation, entitled, Laudate Deum, written by Pope Francis in 2023 addressed to all people of good will on the climate crisis. 

In Laudato Si’, the Pope outlines: 

1. The current state of our common home.

2. The Gospel message as seen through creation.

3. The human cause of the ecological crisis.

 4. The topic of ecology and the common good.

5. Pope Francis’ call to action for each of us.

It is an excellent encyclical and can be purchased in many bookstores, through Amazon, or downloaded for free online with a simple internet search. You are encouraged to read it and embrace the Pope’s call to action.

In Laudate Deum, Pope Francis addresses environmental concerns in the world in respect to human life and dignity and looks at what has happened since 2015 and what still needs to be. This is another excellent document for all to read.

Over the last 3 weeks, we have provided a spiritual understanding about why we need to care for the environment. Going forward, we have invited parishioner, Dr. Julie Peller (Professor of Chemistry at Valparaiso University), to provide a weekly blog for us on the Holy Martyrs’ website as well as a monthly bulletin article addressing continued environmental challenges and reflections on our responsibilities for addressing them.

By Deacon Tom Gryzbek