Laudato Si week from 21 May until 28 May

Let's practice solidarity with all people and the earth and all of creation!

Pope Francis' famous environmental encyclical Laudato Si was written 8 years ago. It is a letter to ALL of us, all people regardless of faith, nationality, skin colour, gender etc.

This is marked with a separate Laudato Si week from 21 May until 28 May. The anniversary itself is today, Wednesday 24 May. Pope Francis encourages us all to take part in the week, so that we can raise awareness of climate and the environment, and actively do something to take care of our common home. Pope Francis has tasked the Dicastery for the holistic development of people and the Catholic climate movement Global Catholic Climate Movement to work together (the Laudato Si' movement). The Laudato Si' week is a fruit of the collaboration. The Laudato Si' movement has made a film entitled "The Letter". This film was released last October and is recommended to be seen this week or later, preferably several together so that we can talk a little about the content.

SHOWING CARE FOR EACH OTHER AND FOR OUR COMMON HOME

Yesterday, we  gathered at Grefsen, the sisters of Sant Joseph convent in Oslo, Norway  to do just that: Watch the film together. There were sisters and some assosiates together (see picture), The film has been shown on NRK, the Norwegian television,  with Norwegian subtitles so that everyone had a chance to understand.

The Letter tells the story of a journey to Rome. Five environmentalists were invited by Pope Francis to discuss his encyclical Laudato Si'. The five come from all over the world, a chief from the Amazon, a young girl from India, a young boat refugee from Senegal, two highly educated scientists from Hawaii. The exclusive dialogue with the Pope, which was included in the film, gives a deeper insight into Pope Francis' personal history since he was elected Pope and Bishop of Rome in March 2013.

After watching the film, there was a conversation in the group at Grefsen. Several were impressed by the solidarity that grew among the film's protagonists during the time they were together in Italy. And then we are in the middle of Jesus' and Paul's and Pope Francis' message: Global human solidarity is so important! We must all contribute to showing care for each other and for our common home! If this message penetrates our hearts, then much has been done so that we can live in healthy balance and inner peace on this wonderful planet.