On Thursday I’m leading a Day of Reflection on Pope Francis’ Encyclical “Laudato Si: Care for our Common Home” at Bishop Molloy Retreat House in Jamaica, NY. The day begins at 10 AM with my presentation, followed by discussion, Mass, lunch at 1PM and departure at 2 PM.

The evidence for climate change mounts. Whether we recognize it or not, it’s one of the most important “signs of the times” we need to pay attention to as Christians.

Pope Francis invites us to face it with the hope and joy of St. Francis, who rejoiced in the gifts of creation. Science had vital information for us. Our faith speaks of our intimate relationship to this world.

Laudato Si ends with Pope Francis’ invitation in Chapter 6 to an “environmental conversion” by embracing a Christian spirituality that “motivates us to a more passionate concern for the protection of our world.” (216) My presentation  explores the pope’s invitation to an “environmental conversion” and how prayer and the sacraments can lead to caring for the earth,  our common home.

The Encyclical Laudato Si can be found online here: http://w2.vatican.va/content/francesco/en/encyclicals/documents/papa-francesco_20150524_enciclica-laudato-si.html

Climate Change as it affects New York/New Jersey here:

Victor Hoagland, CP