The Society of Jesus in Australia has joined an international movement committed to implementing Pope Francis’ path to renewal, laid out in his landmark 2015 environmental encyclical, Laudato sí.
The Australian Jesuits have joined a growing number of Catholic organisations committing to the Dicastery for Promoting Integral Human Development’s Laudato sí Action Platform. The platform aims to engage institutions, communities and families in journeying towards sustainability with a focus on our relationships with God, each other and creation.
“I know that I announce the Province’s commitment at the strong urging of our ministries,” said Fr Quyen Vu SJ, Provincial of the Australian Jesuits.
“Some Jesuit ministries were addressing environmental sustainability long before the publication of Laudato sí. The rest are quickly converting interest into action.”
From June 2021, Jesuit ministries in Australia have engaged in developing and implementing a Laudato sí Action Framework. This grassroots initiative has resulted in significant progress towards ministry specific Laudato sí plans:
- 90% Jesuit and companion schools;
- 43% Jesuit parishes;
- 100% Ignatian Spiritual ministry;
- 100% Jesuit social ministries; and
- 75% Other Jesuit ministries.
As part of its commitment to the Laudato sí Action Platform, the Society of Jesus in Australia will develop a plan and report on progress towards advancing each of the seven Laudato sí Goals – Responding to the Cry of the Earth; Responding to the Cry of the Poor; Fostering Ecological Economics; Adopting a Sustainable Lifestyle; Offering Ecological Education; Developing Ecological Spirituality; and Supporting Local Communities.
In communicating the Province’s commitment to Cardinal Peter Turkson, Fr Vu said: “We appreciate this opportunity to advance God’s mission as articulated in Pope Francis’ powerful Laudato sí message.”
The announcement follows the Province’s 2017 commitment on fossil fuel divestment. Taking action to Care for Our Common Home is consistent with the Province Apostolic Plan 2019-2024 and the global Society of Jesus’ Universal Apostolic Preferences.
Fr Vu noted that this year also marks the 500th anniversary of the conversion of St Ignatius of Loyola, the founder of the Jesuit order.
“It’s fitting that this anniversary of Ignatius’ conversion coincides with another call for conversion for us all – one that leads us to greater reverence for God’s creation in all that we do,” said Fr Vu.
Related story: Australian Jesuit Province to divest from fossil fuels
