We are a nation in mourning. The bushfire emergency has taken the lives of 33 people, over a billion animals, it has destroyed over 3000 homes and farms, feed and the futures of many Australian families. And the fire season still has months to go. We are all struggling to make sense of this unprecedented calamity.
It is in solidarity with each other and this poor burnt country that we come together as a community and reflect on this in light of the beautiful Papal encyclical, Laudato Si’: On Care for Our Common Home. The title is taken from the first line of the encyclical, “Laudato si’, mi Signore,” or “Praise be to you, my Lord.” In the words of Saint Francis of Assisi we are reminded that our common home is like a sister with whom we share our life and a beautiful mother who opens her arms to embrace us. The encyclical provides an analysis of human life and its three intertwined relationships: with God, with our neighbour, and with the earth.
Everyone is invited to join the Justice and Peace Office, Pacific Calling Partnership and a number of other speakers to reflect on these extraordinary times, to ask what Laudato Si’ has to offer in hope and strength and faith, and finally, what are we called to do as stewards of this extraordinary country.
WHAT: Bushfire Crisis and Laudato Si’ Panel – what it means and what we are willing to do in response.
WHEN: Thursday 13 of February, 2020, 6-7.30pm
WHERE: Level 8, Polding Centre, 133 Liverpool Street, Sydney
WHO: Fr Peter Smith, Promotor of Justice and Peace, Archdiocese of Sydney, Corinne Fisher, Pacific Calling Partnership, Chris Hill, Environmental Sustainability Manager and a member of the Rural Fire Service.
Please RSVP to jpoinfo@sydneycatholic.org or call Julie Macken 0400 925 217