Pope Francis, in his Encyclical Laudato Si placed care for the earth in the Canon of the Church’s Social Teachings: “It is my hope that this Encyclical Letter, which is now added to the body of the Church’s social teaching, can help us to acknowledge the appeal, immensity and urgency of the challenge we face.” (Par 15)
Our Founders also saw nature as integral to the mission of all Marianists:
- “Should nature not draw our attention to the wisdom of the Creator? Look at the smallest blade of grass. Is there a human being skillful enough to make its life? Is there anyone else endowed with the power and authority to cause a grain of seed to multiply, as God does? Everything in nature sings of the grandeur of God.” – Adèle letter #3
- “Why do new needs require new and greater help? ...Who is the wise person who does not see that the old levers that once moved our moral world now somehow need another fulcrum?” William Joseph Chaminade, The Chaminade Legacy, Doc. 53, vol. 1, p 687.
“We show our respect for the Creator by our stewardship of creation. Care for the earth is not just an Earth Day slogan, it is a requirement of our faith. We are called to protect people and the planet, living our faith in relationship with all of God's creation. This environmental challenge has fundamental moral and ethical dimensions that cannot be ignored.” (Sharing Catholic Social Teaching: Challenges and Directions, 1998)