Simple Steps to Celebrate Earth Day the Catholic Way

Earth Day is a special time when people worldwide come together to celebrate our planet and pledge to take care of it. For Catholics, it's not just about the Earth; it's also about following the teachings of their faith, which emphasize respecting and protecting nature.

Photo by Margot RICHARD on Unsplash

Highlights

By Catholic Online
4/22/2024 (7 months ago)

Published in Green

Keywords: Earth Day, nature, creation

Back in 2015, Pope Francis wrote a letter called Laudato Si'. It's like a guidebook that talks about why taking care of the environment is so important. He talks about things like climate change and pollution, urging everyone, not just Catholics, to do their part to keep the Earth healthy.

Since then, the Pope has been reminding people to take action. He even released another letter in 2023, right on the feast day of St. Francis of Assisi, who loved animals and nature. It's like a follow-up, reminding us to keep up the good work.

So, how can regular Catholics celebrate Earth Day and follow the Pope's advice?

• Spend time outside: Take a moment to step outside and appreciate nature. Whether it's a walk in the park or just sitting in your backyard, it's a chance to be thankful for the beauty around us.
• Make a Mary Garden: This is like creating a special garden dedicated to Mary, the mother of Jesus. You can plant flowers that represent her and make a peaceful space to relax and reflect.
• Read Laudato Si': It's not just for scholars; anyone can read it! It talks about why the environment matters and how we can help. It's like Pope Francis giving us a pep talk to do our part.
• Take the St. Francis Pledge: This is a promise to take care of the Earth and help those who are suffering because of things like climate change. It's about being part of a team that wants to make the world a better place.
• Learn from the saints: There are lots of saints who loved nature, like St. Francis of Assisi and St. Kateri Tekakwitha. They can inspire us to appreciate the Earth and take care of it, just like they did.

So, whether you're a devout Catholic or just someone who cares about the environment, Earth Day is a chance for everyone to come together and make a difference. Let's follow Pope Francis' lead and show our planet some love!