Pope Francis’ Encyclical Laudato Si’, brings together centuries of Catholic Teaching, with particular inspiration from the spirituality of St Francis of Assisi. The full text is a significant analysis of the problems caused by Climate Change, their direct impact on the poorest in the world, and the constant exhortation to “Listen to the Cry of the Earth and the Cry of the Poor”. It is full of powerful quotes, and we would encourage anyone interested in this topic, whether Catholic or not, to draw deeply from Pope Francis’ insights.
You can download the full text as a PDF here: Pope Francis – Laudato Si’
Other notable texts/speeches can be found below.
Joint Message of Pope Francis, the Ecumenical Patriarch of the Orthodox Church, Bartholomew, and the Archbishop of Canterbury, Justin Welby
Read the joint Message here
This is the first time these three religious leaders, who between them lead the churches containing almost all of the world’s Christians, have issued a joint message, and the words are very powerful.
Message from the Bishops of England and Wales
Message from the Bishops of England and Wales, issued as part of the work leading up to COP26
Read the words from our Bishops here
Fratelli Tutti – the Encyclical letter of Pope Francis
Fratelli Tutti – the Encyclical letter of Pope Francis, with an emphasis on how inter-connected we are (the title of the Encyclical draws from Matthew 25, and – like Laudato Si’ – is rich in the spirituality of St Francis, “We are all Brothers and Sisters”).
Download the Encyclical as a PDF here.
World Day of the Poor
“Jesus Christ… for your sakes became poor” (2 Cor 8:9)
This World Day of the Poor is a healthy challenge, to reflect on our style of life and on the many forms of poverty all around us. It is a reminder to show solidarity with all those in need by putting our faith into action and to remember that none of us is exempt from concern for the poor and social justice.
Sixth World Day of the Poor, 13th November 2022
Fifth World Day of the Poor, 14th November 2021
Fourth World Day of the Poor, 15th November 2020
Third World Day of the Poor, 17th November 2019
Second World Day of the Poor, 18th November 2018
First World Day of the Poor, 19th November 2017
Season of Creation
September 1st – October 4th is when the Christian family unites for a worldwide celebration of prayer and action to protect our common home, known as the Season of Creation. We each share a common call to care for creation and this year, the theme for the season is “Listen to the Voice of Creation.”
We are pleased to have resources prepared by Caritas Diocese of Brentwood, which can be used very flexibly in your parish, school, or organisation.
- A PDF printable version of daily reflections throughout the Season of Creation. This can also be adapted for use on your social media. (PowerPoint version can be sent by contacting [email protected])
- A Novena to St Francis, for the nine days from 26th September – 4th October. This is printable in A5, A4 or A3 – it could be given as a handout, or displayed and prayed in your location.
- A printable (A3 or A4) poster about changing habits in our lives; more suitable for 16+
- A printable (A3 or A4) poster of the Laudato Si Goals