Resources for Engaging with Laudato Si'

In preparation for the commencement of the Mercy International Reflection Process on 8 December 2015, we were each encouraged to read/explore/engage with the encyclical Laudato Si' by way of readying our minds/hearts/selves for our shared undertaking.                                 

Summaries:

Laudato Si': Summary of Chapters & Themes by the Vatican (Link)

EcoJesuit has produced an online Guidance map for Pope Francis’ encyclical Laudato si’ with brief descriptions of specific chapters, 'for readers who wish to engage with this document in terms of human development perspectives but who may not share the same faith convictions'.

Readers Guides:

Living Out Laudato si': A Commentary and practical resource for Canadian Catholics is a 30 page resource 'towards making a radical transformation, at the service of a better future' (PDF)

A Reader's Guide to Laudato Si' by National Catholic Reporter (PDF)

The Columban Center for Advocacy and Outreach has produced Laudato Si’ Study and Action Guide to help people learn and reflect on Pope Francis’ teaching, and find direction on ways to respond. English (PDF); Spanish (PDF)

Laudato Si': Caring for our Common Home Discussion Guide - This discussion guide, for use with Pope Francis' encyclical Laudato Si', can help small groups explore and dialogue with this important document. Prepared by USCCB Justice Peace and Human Development. English (PDF), Spanish (PDF)

Ethics and Pope Francis’ Encyclical Letter Laudato Si'. Teaching Module (20 page PDF) and Student Handout (11 page PDF) by David E. DeCosse and Brian Patrick Green, Santa Clara University.

Study Guide for Laudato Si'. The Interfranciscan Commission for Justice, Peace and the Integrity of Creation (PDF). 

Top Ten Things You Need to Know About Laudato Si' by America magazine (text) (video; 04:22)

Laudato Si': Reader's Guide to the Encyclical by Thomas Reese sj a senior analyst for National Catholic Reporter. In addition, he has written a series of columns on the chapters of Laudato Si’ in NCR. These are
'Pope Francis: 'Facts are more important than ideas.' (ch 1)
'Revelation and creation: respecting and sharing God’s gift?.' (ch 2)
'Pope Francis: Technology + greed = disaster?.' (Ch 3)
'Integral ecology: everything is connected' (ch 4)
Saving the environment through dialogue and transparency (ch 5)
Francis on environmental education and spirituality

'Laudato Si' Reflection Resource: On Care for Our Common Home,' developed by Terri MacKenzie, SHCJ, is a 5-session resource for group use. (PDF)

Overview of Laudato Si' produced by the Archdiocese of Washington (PDF)

'Laudato Si' - On Care for Our Common Home'.  A Study Guide on the Encyclical by Pope Francis produced by the Archdiocese of Washington. Download it here (13pps; PDF)

Short articles:

' We're called to profound change, a radical new consciousness of our relatedness within every aspect of creation and to grow into a spirituality that will encourage, motivate, galvanise and nourish us ,' writes Catherine Shelton rsj in  'Spirituality of Communion'. Read it here

Overview of Laudato Si' by New Zealand theologian Neil Darragh, indicating the concerns, the care, the change and the integrated approaches the Pope hopes for, can be read online here

LCWR's most recent Resolution to Action (vol. 24 no.3) : 'Climate: A Common Good' has been written by Marianne Comfort, Institute Justice Team, Sisters of Mercy of the Americas. (PDF)

Leonardo Boff - The Magna Carta of integral ecology: cry of the Earth-cry of the poor

Discussions:

The Theologians Respond: Laudato Si . Discussion panel organised by America magazine. View it here (1:02:45)

A number of influential theologians, ethicists and philosophers offer short reflections on the encyclical and assess its moral and political significance. Read their reflections here

The Francis Effect 11: Praised Be You – On Care for our Common Home developed collaboratively by developed collaboratively by three Australian Catholic Agencies: Catholic Religious Australia, Catholic Earthcare Australia and Catholic Mission Read it online here

Policy Papers

CIDSE, an alliance of 17 Catholic development agencies from Europe and North America under the umbrella of CIDSE to fight poverty and inequality, has produced a policy paper based on an ethical approach, inspired by Laudato Si'. The policy paper called Paris, for the People and the Planet: the Encyclical Laudato Si’ – what it means for the COP21 negotiations and beyond, can be downloaded here (20 pps; PDF)