Laudato Si’ Revolution: Creating a Movement Toward Radical Change and Hope

Jacek Orzechowski, OFM Friar News

For Christians of different denominations, the period of Sept. 1 through Oct. 4 – known as the Season of Creation, is a time to renew their relationship with the Creator and with all of creation through celebration, conversion, and commitment to protecting our common home.

During this year’s Season of Creation, the Franciscan Order encourages Franciscan-hearted people to delve into “Laudato Si’: On Care for Our Common Home” – the groundbreaking encyclical of Pope Francis.

As part of the Franciscan Laudato Si’ Revolution, the Order’s Justice, Peace and Integrity of Creation Office in Rome is offering an opportunity to do that through a free online course titled “Laudato Si’ and Integral Ecology.” Holy Name Province has provided funding to produce short videos for this course.

More than 1,400 people around the globe have already registered for this online course for which registration closes on Sept. 19. Participants have until the end of November to complete the course at their own pace.

This course will help people respond to the Gospel and empower them to seek the common good. Register now online.

This brief video describes the speakers and the content of the course and provides registration information.

The Order’s Laudato Si’ Revolution initiative also offers a series of reflections on Pope Francis’ encyclical – including a reflection titled “The Radical Call of Laudato Si’” written by Sr. Ilia Delio, OSF.

As both a scientist and Franciscan theologian, Sr. Ilia makes a case for a new Franciscan movement that puts God’s love at the center of its mission and fully embraces the science of evolution and the best of the Franciscan tradition. In her reflection, Sr. Ilia challenges fellow Franciscans to be prophets of hope and catalysts of conversion within the Church and society, helping to lead others to profound personal and systemic transformations. Her reflection is a true gem of the contemporary Franciscan intellectual tradition. Sr. Ilia’s remarkable reflection is available online.

In addition to reflections, the Laudato Si’ Revolution website provides a variety of resources related to its theme of social and environmental justice. It also contains a video message from Michael Perry, OFM, the Minister General of the Order of Friars Minor.

— Jacek Orzechowski, OFM, who recently was transferred to Durham, North Carolina, is a member of the Order’s JPIC Animation Committee. He provided details about the Laudato Si’ Revolution course, which he is coordinating, in an article published last month in HNP Today. 

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