On Wednesday 17 May, Caritas Diocese of Plymouth is organising a day of reflection at Sclerder Abbey to pray and discuss how we as a diocese can care for our common home. In 2021, the diocesan Trustees agreed our first Environmental Policy. We are now in the process of developing a strategy which will set out in more detail our plans for local action to reduce our impact on the environment and increase our care for creation. We want to hear from parishioners about local priorities and concerns and how the Church might respond.
All are welcome to join us in prayer, reflection and discussion on 17 May from 10.30-15.00. A simple lunch will be included. We hope this event will give us an opportunity to pause, celebrate, and consider new local initiatives to help preserve and care for our common home. Please register your interest in attending or email caritas@prcdtr.org.uk.
This year, 21-28 May, marks the eighth anniversary of Pope Francis’ Encyclical – Laudato Si’. The degradation of our Common Home has had a disproportionate impact on everyone, especially on those who already face disadvantage, marginalisation and multiple forms of vulnerability but there is still time to act. This year’s theme is Hope for the Earth, Hope for Humanity. We will be inspired in our reflections by the Prayer For Our Earth (Laudato Si)
All-powerful God, you are present in the whole universe
and in the smallest of your creatures.
You embrace with your tenderness all that exists.
Pour out upon us the power of your love,
that we may protect life and beauty.
Fill us with peace, that we may live
as brothers and sisters, harming no one.
O God of the poor,
help us to rescue the abandoned and forgotten of this earth,
so precious in your eyes.
Bring healing to our lives,
that we may protect the world and not prey on it,
that we may sow beauty, not pollution and destruction.
Touch the hearts
of those who look only for gain
at the expense of the poor and the earth.
Teach us to discover the worth of each thing,
to be filled with awe and contemplation,
to recognize that we are profoundly united
with every creature
as we journey towards your infinite light.
We thank you for being with us each day.
Encourage us, we pray, in our struggle
for justice, love and peace.