Dear Brothers and Sisters in Christ,
On October 4, we observed the Memorial of St. Francis of Assisi, a man whose love for all God’s creation has inspired millions of people from many different religions, cultures and walks of life for nearly 800 years. Francis is the namesake of our current pope because of the saint’s humility and love for the poor. He is also the inspiration for Pope Francis’s 2015 Encyclical Laudato Si’ (On Care for Our Common Home) and the newly published continuation of this encyclical, Laudato Deum, which was released just two days ago as we honored St. Francis and began the 16th General Assembly of the Synod of Bishops. This newsletter contains a reflection on Laudato Si’ (On Care for Our Common Home). I will share some thoughts on Laudato Deum in future newsletters.
“Praise be to you, my Lord, through our Sister, Mother Earth, who sustains and governs us, and who produces various fruit with colored flowers and herbs” (“Laudato Si’,” #1). In the words of this beautiful canticle, St. Francis of Assisi reminds us that our common home is like a sister with whom we share our life and a beautiful mother who opens her arms to embrace us.
Click here to continue reading Cardinal Tobin’s letter to the faithful.
(Also available in Spanish)