Editorial
As the Season of Creation begins, we are called into a time of profound reflection and renewed commitment. This year’s theme, “To Hope and Act with Creation,” inspired by Saint Paul’s Letter to the Romans (8:19-25), is not just a poetic call but a powerful reminder of our shared responsibility for the earth, our common home. This invitation to hope is deeply rooted in the teachings of Laudato Si’, Pope Francis’ encyclical on care for creation, where he calls all people to ecological conversion and concrete action.
Laudato Si’ opens with the words of Saint Francis of Assisi, “Praise be to you, my Lord, through our Sister, Mother Earth, who sustains and governs us.” It reminds us that we are in communion with creation, not separate from it. We are part of an interconnected web of life, and the care we extend to creation is also a reflection of our care for each other, especially the most vulnerable. This is the essence of integral ecology, a key concept in Laudato Si’.
Pope Francis highlights that the ecological crisis is not just a scientific or technological issue but deeply rooted in our ethical and social values. Integral ecology calls for a holistic approach to environmental care, one that considers not only the protection of ecosystems but also justice for the poor, solidarity among communities, and the promotion of peace. It encourages us to see the earth and its people as one interwoven fabric, where actions in one area inevitably affect the others. This vision challenges us to transform our lifestyles, ministries, and economies to foster a sustainable and just world for all.
Earlier this year, we gathered at our Kildare Ministries conference under the theme "Encounter, Dream, Do," where we explored ways to renew our engagement with the world and each other. The call to action from our conference has never been more relevant than now, as we face the ecological challenges before us. The theme of "To Hope and Act with Creation" beautifully aligns with the spirit of Encounter, Dream, Do. We are called to encounter creation with reverence, dream of a more sustainable and just world, and do the necessary work to make that dream a reality.
In the same way that Laudato Si’ calls us to an "ecological conversion," our conference invited us to actively engage with the world around us. Pope Francis reminds us that “everything is connected” (LS 91), urging us to view environmental care not as an isolated task but as part of a broader commitment to human dignity and justice. This season, our response to creation must be rooted in hope, but also in decisive action that addresses the needs of both the earth and the marginalised.
Our call from Encounter, Dream, Do compels us to go beyond personal awareness. We must advocate for systemic change, foster ecological education in our communities, and implement sustainable practices that reduce harm. There is an urgency for current leaders to also seek ecological conversion through prayer, sharing and learning. Let us take this opportunity to implement those actions, inspired by both the theme of our conference and the principles laid out in Laudato Si’.
As we embrace this Season of Creation, let us carry forward the call from our conference, deeply inspired by the message of Laudato Si’. Our shared hope for a just and sustainable world must translate into concrete actions. Together, we can build a future where both creation and humanity can flourish, responding to the cry of the earth and the cry of the poor.
May this sacred time move us from reflection to meaningful action, inspired by our Kildare Ministries vision to foster “a community where all people are valued, where all creation is recognised as sacred and where hope, justice and courage are our hallmarks.”
Nicole Mangelsdorf
Acting Executive Director
Kildare Ministries