Earth day is 22nd April 2023 and is an ideal opportunity to remember that our world is a gift to us from God, entrusted to our care. Jenny Lelean, Head of Portsmouth Caritas reminds us,
In his Encyclical, Laudato Si’, Pope Francis reminds us that ‘St Francis [of Assisi], faithful to scripture, invites us to see nature as a magnificent book in which God speaks to us and grants us a glimpse of his infinite beauty and goodness.’ The Pope goes on to say ‘But a sober look at our world shows a degree of human intervention, often in the service of business interests and consumerism, is actually making our earth less rich and beautiful, ever more limited and grey’.
There is much we can do in our lives, homes, gardens, parishes and schools to restore the colour and beauty of our world.
You can read more about the initiatives and programmes Caritas Portsmouth have underway and explore the work they are doing across the diocese and see how you can help. You can also complete a Climate Pledge Card and make a commitment to take care of our precious planet earth.