Message from Kilmore Care of Creation on Protecting Biodiversity & Restoring Ecosystems:
KILMORE CARE OF CREATION
Inspired by LAUDATO SI’, the Encyclical Letter written by Pope Francis ON CARE FOR OUR COMMON HOME
Biodiversity (COP15) 7th-19th December 2022 in Montreal, Canada
Protecting Biodiversity and Restoring Ecosystems
Leaders from around the world will set new goals and targets to guide global action on nature to 2030. Our existence is dependent upon a harmonious relationship with the natural world. Pope Francis speaks of a ‘universal fraternity’ wherein care for nature is part of a lifestyle which includes the capacity for living together and communion (LS228). For more information on COP15: https://www.unep.org/un-biodiversity-conference-cop-15 and https://laudatosimovement.org/news/what-is-cop15/
When we see God reflected in all that exists, our hearts are moved to praise the Lord for all his creatures and to worship him in union with them. This sentiment finds magnificent expression in the hymn of St. Francis of Assisi (LS87):
CANTICLE FROM BROTHER SUN AND SISTER MOON
St. Francis of Assisi
Most High, all-powerful, all-good Lord,
all praise is yours, all glory, honour and blessings.
To you alone, Most High, do they belong;
no mortal lips are worthy to pronounce your name.
We praise you, Lord, for all your creatures,
especially for Brother Sun,
who is the day through whom you give us light.
And he is beautiful and radiant with great splendour;
of you Most High, he bears your likeness.
We praise you, Lord, for Sister Moon and the stars,
in the heavens you have made them bright, precious and fair.
We praise you, Lord, for Brothers Wind and Air,
fair and stormy, all weather’s moods,
by which you cherish all that you have made.
We praise you, Lord, for Sister Water,
so useful, humble, precious and pure.
We praise you, Lord, for Brother Fire,
through whom you light the night.
He is beautiful, playful, robust, and strong.
We praise you, Lord, for Sister Earth,
who sustains us with her fruits, coloured flowers, and herbs.