Pope Francis: Caring for the World and Everyone in It

      With climate change being one of the primary issues of our time, along with a consistent life ethic, it is the year to celebrate the 5^th anniversary of Laudato Si’, the first papal encyclical focused on the environment.  Through this letter, addressed to “every person living on this planet, Pope Francis made an “urgent appeal…for a new dialogue about how we are shaping the future of our planet.” (LS 14)

       This prayer, one of the two found at the conclusion of the letter, reflects many of the encyclical’s key themes:  God’s love imbued in every speck of creation, the inter connected-ness of everything, and the necessity to hear and respond to “the cry of the earth and the cry of the poor (LS 49). Perhaps the most profound is the insight that the environmental crisis is a spiritual crisis.

                                                          A PRAYER FOR OUR EARTH

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 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 sow beauty, not pollution and destruction. Touch the hearts of those who look only for gain at the expense of the poor of the earth. Teach us to discover the worth of each thing to be filled with awe and contemplation, to recognize 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.                                                                                        – Pope Francis, Laudato Si’: On Care for Our Common Home (246) – photo of Francis sneaking out at night to feed the poor in Rome. 

     From September 1 (the World Day of Prayer for the Care of Creation) to October 4 (the Feast of St. Francis of Assisi) we celebrate the season of creation, a special time when Christians unite in increased prayer and action for our common home.  It is a privileged time to reflect on our relationship with God as Creator and with all of creation.¹⁾

       On the feast of St. Francis of Assisi, October 4, the Pope will be going to Assisi to share another encyclical, on the 5^th anniversary of Laudato Si’, Brothers and Sisters, All.  This encyclical is on the social, political and economic obligations that flow from a belief that all people are children of God and therefore brothers and sisters to one another. This encyclical will indicate to the world a style for the future and will give the church and people of goodwill the responsibility for building it together.  The pope is clearly inspired by Francis of Assisi who, in following Jesus, recognized in fraternity, lived under the sign of mutual and loving service, the horizon of a fulfilled and happy humanity. This encyclical is expected to echo many of the themes Pope Francis has been discussing in his general audience talks on Catholic Social Teaching in light of the pandemic: human fraternity, the equal dignity of all people, the preferential option for the poor, the universal distribution of goods and the obligation of solidarity.  Care for the environment and the virtue of peacemaking are also expected to be part of the encyclical.  The text is expected to be published in a variety of languages the first week of October.

       Also, at this time, at new book featuring his conversations with Pope Francis, Italian environmental activist, Carlo Petrine, said he hopes the published discussions will contribute to the groundwork laid out by Laudato Si’. The book, titled Terra Futura (Future Earth): Conversations with Pope Francis on Integral Ecology, is meant to highlight the importance of the pope’s encyclical on the environment and its impact on the world five years after its publication in 2015.⁽²⁾ 

    ^{1.  Source:  GUTD, Sept. 2020, p. 8-9, Christina Leano.}

             ^{2.   Catholic News Service, Cindy Wooden & National World, Vatican City}                        

We thank and bless Pope Francis for all his inspiration to us, the people of God, and all the world.

              Sr. Mary Tewes, OSB                                

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                        

      

       

Living in Hope

            It’s hard to read the paper or watch the news with so much oppressive suffering in our world, and growing divisiveness and violence in our own land. I understood when a friend mourned:  “This is not the country I know.”  What are we becoming?  What can we do?

With the psalmist, we can cry out with and for our brothers and sisters:  “Awake!  Why do you sleep, O Lord?  Rise up!  Do not reject us forever. Why do you hide your face, why forget our pain and misery?  We are bowed down to the ground; our bodies are pressed to the ground.  Rise up, help us!  Redeem us as your love demands.*(Ps. 44)   Let not the oppressed turn back in shame; may the poor and needy praise your name. (Ps. 74)  (from the New American Bible c. 1981)

We can address these words to ourselves:  Do not hide in your comfort.  Rise up!  Open your eyes. Listen with the ears of your heart.  Remember, the pain and misery of others - the oppressed, the poor. Do something for which others will praise God.  Remember, love is the only thing that lasts.

            What are we becoming?  Only God knows, but if you believe there is much, much more good than evil in our world, and I’m convinced there is, we live in hope.

              P.S.    Recently I saw the film, “Pope Francis: A Man of His Word.”  It is well worth seeing, a vision-expanding experience.  Pope Francis is urging us, through word and example, to enlarge our hearts, to widen our view, to heed the cry of the poor, to work for peace, to seek justice, to bless and care for the earth, and to reach out to others in love, acceptance and reverence.  He radiates the love of God.

            Sr. Sharon Portwood, OSB

Prayer for peace

           

It’s been a long summer of painful political discourse—to put it mildly. Two weeks ago I read Pope Francis’ prayer for peace that he offered in a service with Chaldean Catholics of Georgia. I offer a few paraphrases lines that resonated and stayed with me.

            Lord Jesus, we adore your cross which frees us from sin, the origin of every division. We long for your kingdom of justice, joy and peace.

           

Lord Jesus, by your glorious passion conquer the hardness of our hearts imprisoned by hatred and selfishness.

           

Lord Jesus, cast forth the shadow of your cross over peoples that we may learn the way of reconciliation, dialogue and forgiveness.

O Virgin Mary, Queen of Peace, you who stood at the foot of the cross, obtain from your 

Son, pardon for our sins. Sustain our faith and our hope and teach us the royal road of service and the glory of love. AMEN.

                  Sr. Mary Catherine Wenstrup, OSB           

What I Did On My Summer Vacation

      In June I was blessed to be part of Villa Madonna Academy’s trip to Italy. It was a fantastic trip to a truly remarkable country. Two important events from that trip left a lasting impression.

       First was our visit to Monte Cassino. the most famous of St. Benedict’s monasteries where he actually lived and died. Being at Monte Cassino was such a blessing for me as a Benedictine. As we approached Monte Cassino after a harrowing bus ride up any number of hairpin turns the first thing we saw was the main door with the word PAX above it: PEACE! A feeling of peace really did overwhelm me.

       Monte Cassino is a beautiful, light and bright monastery with a beautiful church and museum. It’s amazing that it’s even there. The monastery has been destroyed and rebuilt four different times since it was built in the early 6^th century. The last time was after it was almost completely destroyed in the bombing of World War II. I can still see the room where St. Benedict lived, now a small chapel, and his tomb which was not destroyed in the bombing of World War II. We saw many other parts of the monastery but the PEACE door stays with me the most.

       We, as Benedictines and Catholics, carry that tradition of PEACE forward in whatever we do as we strive to be respectful and helpful and peaceful. I thought to myself, what if we put the word PEACE over every door throughout our homes and work places. Would that encourage all of us to be more peaceful; more aware of the need in our world and in our lives for PEACE? I think it’s worth a try.

       On our second last day we were in the 10^th to 12^th rows at the Pope’s audience in St. Peter’s square. It is hard to express how moved I was, and I’m sure others were, just by being in Pope Francis’ presence. This second experience with Pope Francis was equally as remarkable as being at Monte Cassino.  First of all, when he passed us in the Pope-mobile I am sure that he was waving just to me. We made eye-contact, for sure.

       His message that day which was translated in five languages was one of acceptance of each person as a brother or sister. He spontaneously welcomed a group of about 10 refugees that he had spotted in the crowd to join him under the canopy. It was a moving moment for all of us. He truly lives what he proclaims.

What would be the effect if we also welcomed others who are not like us? What would happen if we truly showed mercy to those in need? I believe that can be the path to true peace.

       And finally, shortly after we arrived home from Italy the sniper shootings in Dallas occurred. I have good friends in Dallas and contacted them to be sure they were okay.

When I expressed my feeling of hopelessness in the face of such senseless violence my friend offered the advice that we should all pray ceaselessly for peace.

       I was humbled that she had to tell me that. I think that would be St. Benedict’s and Pope Francis’ advice as well.

       So, in our world, so in need of peace, let us make it our goal to live in peace, to proclaim peace, to write it in our hearts and minds, and pray for peace every day.

       God bless you and your school year. 

        Sr. Nancy Kordenbrock, OSB

The Choice: Skepticism or Hope

       It's so easy to be a skeptic today! It's easy to rail against systems and people who are supposed to work for our benefit but fail us.

       I think today's political stage is so chaotic in part because it acts like a great pressure release valve for  the frustration and anger many people feel about systems that make their life difficult. Lots of things are broken, and people are searching for a "fixer." Candidates who promise something simple and certain get lots of attention. Desperation seeks quick solutions.

       Amazingly, there is something buried in this maelstrom that unites everyone involved. Every single person believes there is a way out. Every one has hope! Looked at from this perspective, Donald Trump, Hilary Clinton, Bernie Sanders, Pope Francis and even Jesus all have something in common: the fervent crowds that follow them believe they have answers that can fix systems and better their lives. This seems especially obvious in the ministry of Pope Francis.

       Why has this man stirred the hearts of the world? One reason is, I think, because he exudes hope. He chooses to live and minister especially to the people who have little hope – the poor, sick, imprisoned, unemployed….  Like Jesus, people in need flock to him. Like Jesus, no one in our time has spoken quite like this, and he speaks with authority drenched in love and compassion.

       Hope is a power source; one can see that today in the crowds following both Francis and the presidential candidates. Hope contains a challenge though. It addresses what may come, not what is or was. This means work is involved. Hope lives not in a vacuum but in individuals. It gives them energy and impetus that must be tapped if it is to bear fruit.

       The French poet Charles Peguy (1873-1914) wrote that while "hope moves the world…and carries it," hope itself is carried by its two sisters, faith and charity. (Portal of the Mystery of Hope, 1912) The person with hope must believe in the cause and have enough love for self and others to do the work. It requires no work to be a skeptic or to accept simplistic answers to profoundly complex questions, so hope is often the "road less travelled," to use Robert Frost's famous image (The Road Not Taken, 1916).

       During this Lenten season we are conscious that Jesus didn't take the easy path. The path laid out by his Father took profound hope.  Knowing this, Jesus told us that if we want to be his follower, the cross must be our baggage too. Quick and easy answers weren't part of his life plan; we can't expect this to be true of ours.

       As the common saying goes, if something seems too good to be true, it very likely is not, whether it's a "solution" for an immigration problem or an international dilemma like ISIS. Hope demands more than wishing or commanding. Hope's power is unleashed when a community of seekers decides to turn from skepticism, join hands in faith, and walk forward through the chaos in shared wisdom, strength, and courage. Maybe Lent is a good time to examine how often skepticism slips into our thinking and nudges out the labor-intensive hope that wants to reside there.

     Sr. Colleen Winston, OSB

Remembering Pope Francis in America

     A real historic moment in our history was when Pope Francis addressed the U.S. Congress on Sept. 24,2015. Besides the Congress, the Supreme Court and the members of the president's cabinet were present.The pope said that he was "most pleased to address you in the land of the free and the home of the brave."
     Francis began by addressing the Congress and those present by citing four famous Americans and their accomplishments to society. They were: Abraham Lincoln, Martin Luther King, Jr., Dorothy Day and Thomas Merton. They are three sons and daughters of this land.
    Francis urged Americans to protect and defend human life at every stage of its development. Every life is sacred. He said society can only benefit from the abolition of the death penalty. He offered encouragement for rehabilitation. He spoke of welcoming immigrants, stating that we are descendants of immigrants ourselves.
   The pope urged that we keep in mind all those around us who are in a cycle of poverty. Part of the cycle is the creation and distribution of wealth, and he urged the development of an economy that Is moderate, inclusive and sustainable--one that seeks the creation of jobs in service to the common good.
    He said that we need conversation on the environment. We must re-direct our steps, we can make a difference. He urged Congress to play a courageous role: protect nature, combat poverty, put technology at the service of that which is more human and more social. Congress can make a big positive contribution in the years ahead
 . The pope also spoke of the richness and beauty of family life. I am sure we will be hearing more on this as the Synod on Family Life comes to a close this month.
     Sr. Barbara Woeste, OSB

A prayer before Pope Francis comes to the United States

          This summer I attended the Benedictine Development Symposium in Schuyler, Nebraska and met a extraordinary speaker and writer. He may not thank me for this mention, but I was impressed by his writing skils and passion. And so I share with you a snippet of Brian Doyle, editor of Portland magazine at the University of Portland. He is the author of Leaping: Revelations and Epiphanies, A Shimmer of Something: Lean Stories of Spiritual Substance, and many more.

         Today I‘m sharing with you a prayer from Brian Doyle's A Book of Uncommon Prayer:100 Celebrations of the Miracle and Muddle of the Ordinary. Sorin Books, 2014, pp. 17-18

          Brian’s prayers remind me of Daniel Berrigan’s psalm prayers in Uncommon Prayer: a Book of Psalms and Walter Brueggemann’s prayers in Awed to Heaven, Rooted in Earth. Brian, Daniel and Walter share the same passion for the apt word/ phrase, for social justice, for an intense struggling relationship with God and for speaking the hard truth of human suffering and small delights. Their prayers are not easy to pray, just as many of the psalms are not easy to pray. Their prayers like the psalms come from the deepest part of us and stun us with their power.

          I present Brian Doyle’s prayer as an example of a modern yet Biblical way of calling out to God It is also a good prayer for the week before Pope Francis comes to visit.

Furious Prayer for the Church I Love and Have Always Loved but Which Drives me Insane with Is Fussy Fidgety Prim Tin-Eared Thirst for Control and Rules and Power and Money Rather Than the One Simple Thing the Founder Insisted On

Granted, it’s a tough assignment, the original assignment. I get that. Love—Lord help us, could we not have been assigned something easier, like astrophysics or quantum mechanics? But no—love those you cannot love. Love those who are poor and broken and fouled and dirty and sick with sores. Love those who wish to strike you on both cheeks. Love the blowhard, the pompous ass, the arrogant liar. Find the Christ in each heart, even those. Preach the Gospel and only if necessary talk about it. Be the Word. It is easy to advise and pronounce and counsel and suggest and lecture; it is not so easy to do what must be done without sometimes shrieking. Bring love like a bright weapon against the dark. The Rabbi did not say build churches, or retreat houses, or secure a fleet of cars for general use, or convene conferences or issue position papers. He was pretty blunt about the hungry and the naked and the sick. He was not reasonable. We forget this. The Church is not a reasonable idea. The Church should be a verb. When it is only a noun it is not what the Founder asked of us. Let us pray that we are ever after dissolving the formal officious arrogant thing that wants to rise, and ever fomenting the contradictory revolutionary counter-cultural thing that could change life on this planet. It could, you know. Let’s try again today. And so: amen.

Thank you, Brian Doyle.

        Sr. Deborah Harmeling, OSB

"That All May Be One"

            On March 13 with millions of other TV viewers I watched Pope Francis’ first worldwide appearance. So an Argentine Jesuit, devoted to a simple lifestyle, was chosen as the leader of the whole Catholic Church! Might this event predict a new era of Catholicism? I wonder if Pope Francis will also inspire a new vision of ecumenism during his pontificate.

            Having served as executive secretary of the Northern Kentucky Interfaith Commission in 1976-85, I have had the privilege of ecumenical relationships with many Protestant pastors and congregations in our area. Recently I received a call from Clarence Lassetter, a former pastor of Ft. Mitchell Baptist Church and past president of the Interfaith Commission. Our retired Bishop William A. Hughes had died and Clarence asked me to accompany him and his wife to the visitation for Bishop Hughes at our Cathedral. Clarence added, “We want to pay our last respects to our friend, Bill Hughes.”

            Clarence’s informal way of relating to the Bishop reminded me of an occasion when the Lassetters had invited him to their home for an Interfaith gathering of new clergy in town, and Bishop Hughes came. Now, Clarence and Gean wanted to express their farewell to their friend by a final visit to him. It was an occasion for me to recognize and appreciate the ecumenical contributions of people of one God and one faith.

            I pray that Pope Francis might initiate grace-filled ecumenical happenings during his leadership of the Catholic Church “that all may be one.”

                        Sr. Martha Walther, OSB