WORKSHEET FOR LAUDATO SI

“Laudato Si” is latin for ‘Praise be to you’ so the phrase Laudatu si, mi’ signori from the
canticle of St. Francis of Assisi means Praise be to you my lord. The whole encyclical advocates
integral ecology incorporating both theological and environmental concepts. For each of the
concepts in Column B, identify whether this is a theological or environmental concept and in
Column C, write a brief explanation of the statement OR a reflection on this concept.

Parts of the Concepts Interpretation/Reflection

Encyclical
18. rapidification - continued
acceleration of changes; intensified pace
of life and work – Change becomes a
source of anxiety and causes harm to the
world
19. We see increasing sensitivity to the
environment and the need to protect
nature, along with a growing concern,
both genuine and distressing, for what
is happening to our planet
Chap 1: 20. Technology, which, linked to
Section 1 – business interests, is presented as the
Pollution only way of solving these problems, in
and climate fact proves incapable of seeing the
change mysterious network of relations
between things and so sometimes solves
one problem only to create others.
21. The earth, our home, is beginning to
look more and more like an immense
pile of filth.
It is a theological notion because the
ongoing acceleration of changes
impacting humankind and the globe
is now linked with a faster pace of
life and work, and these changes
have caused harm in our world and
concern among people.
Technology has played an
important role in our world; it
assists us in a variety of ways,
allowing us to make things easier
and faster. It allows us to
communicate with each other even
when we are separated by great
distances, but it also has drawbacks.
It's a theological concept since the
world we live on is our home, and
the beginning is something we
should anticipate until the end.

22. Throwaway culture - our industrial It is an environmental idea in this

system, at the end of its cycle of understanding. The term "throw-
production and consumption, has not away society" refers to a broad
developed the capacity to absorb and definition of a human social idea
reuse waste and by-products heavily affected by consumerism.
23. The climate is a common good,
belonging to all and meant for all. we
are presently witnessing a disturbing
warming of the climatic system due to
the great concentration of greenhouse
gases released mainly as a result of
 human activity
25. Climate change is a global problem
with grave implications: environmental,
social, economic, political and for the
distribution of goods. Its worst impact
will probably be felt by developing
countries in coming decades. Many of
the poor live in areas particularly
affected by phenomena related to
warming, and their means of
subsistence are largely dependent on
natural reserves and ecosystemic
services such as agriculture, fishing and
forestry.
Chapter 2; 89. The created things of this world are
section 5 not free of ownership: “For they are
Universal yours, O Lord, who love the living”
Communion (Wis 11:26). This is the basis of our
conviction that, as part of the universe,
called into being by one Father, all of us
are linked by unseen bonds and
together form a kind of universal family,
a sublime communion which fills us
with a sacred, affectionate and humble
respect
91. Everything is connected. Concern for
the environment thus needs to be joined
to a sincere love for our fellow human
beings and an unwavering commitment
to resolving the problems of society.
Section 6: 93. Whether believers or not, we are
The agreed today that the earth is essentially
Common a shared inheritance, whose fruits are
destination meant to benefit everyone. For believers,
of Goods this becomes a question of fidelity to the
Creator, since God created the world for
everyone.
93. Saint John Paul II forcefully
reaffirmed this teaching, stating that
“God gave the earth to the whole
human race for the sustenance of all its
members, without excluding or
favouring anyone”.
The natural environment is a collective
good, the patrimony of all humanity
and the responsibility of everyone. If we
make something our own, it is only to
administer it for the good of all.