Praying with Laudato Sí: A Retreat Guide for Individuals and Communities

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Praying with Laudato Sí: A Retreat Guide for Individuals and Communities

This retreat guide was developed by the Congregation’s General Service of Justice, Peace, and Integrity of Creation (GS-JPIC), in response to a mandate of our 37th General Chapter. It has been prepared as a guide for individuals and communities to pray using Pope Francis’ 2015 encyclical letter, Laudato Si’.

Using insights from the encyclical letter, this guide presents Scripture passages, texts, stories and images from the Oblate tradition. Its aim is to lead to reflection, prayer, and commitment to action. The guide is not intended as a study guide to Laudato Sí’. Texts from the letter are presented for the purpose of inspiration and prayer.

The guide may be used by individuals or communities. One theme may be selected for a day of prayer, or several themes may be used over an extended time of retreat. The themes presented are suggestions; others may be developed by users. The motivation for the choice of these is that they show an aspect of the Pope’s encyclical letter as it is read through the chosen lens of GS-JPIC: Praying with Laudato Sí’ using insights drawn from listening to the cry of the earth and the cry of the poor. Some of the themes include the voices of the poor with whom the Oblates are working.

Each of the themes is presented following a unique structure, but they all contain, in some way, the following characteristics:

  • Introduction to the theme of the retreat
  • Suggested Scripture passage(s)
  • Texts from Laudato Sí’
  • Elements from the Oblate tradition
  • Suggestions for reflection and prayer
  • Suggestions for sharing and discussion.
  • Call(s) to action.

Our hope in preparing this guide is that it will facilitate a spiritual experience which should lead to conversion of heart. To sustain commitment to action, a plan of action for individuals and communities will have to be developed. At the end of the guide, we present a selected bibliography for those who may wish to deepen their knowledge of the issues of justice and peace raised by the Pope’s letter. “… put off your shoes from your feet, for the place on which you are standing is holy ground.” (Ex. 3:5).

DOWNLOAD PRAYING WITH LAUDATO SÍ HERE

By Jean-Hérick Jasmin, OMI

Published on the OMI World website