Pope Francis issued the encyclical Laudato Si’: On Care for Our Common Home to aid people of faith in a Creator and all citizens of the world in how to view and act in terms of current ecological crises and the suffering of the poor.

It is a beautiful compelling explanation of our crucial role in our own duties, opportunities, and place on the planet.  This encyclical was born of Scripture, the model of St. Francis, and the teachings of St. John Paul II.

Following St. Francis: John Paul II’s Call to Ecological Action in vivid, reader friendly prose with stories, science, Scriptures, and quotations draws readers into the 12 most pressing ecological issues of this day. It provides the insights that formed Laudato Si’ and takes readers from the insights of St. John Paul Ii to Pope Francis.

Following St. Francis: John Paul II’s Call to Ecological Action
Rizzoli Ex Libris, 2014,ISBN: 978-0-8478-4271-1,  Hardcover

Also available in Ebook form!

Pope John Paul II repeatedly proclaimed that the “ecological crisis” is a moral crisis, and this book lays out the Scriptural, ethical, scientific, and Catholic reasons why: how all people of faith, and citizens of the planet, have a mandate to care, think, and act for the common good of all people, species, and systems of the planet for the present and future.  More importantly, he said that the ecological crises are spiritual opportunities to grow closer to God and others, by seeking “Peace with God the Creator, Peace with All of Creation.”

The pope showed us how caring for God’s creation is also caring for the poor, for they are the first and most relentlessly to suffer from environmental destruction.  This book offers practical stories of hope and restoration — how following St. Francis’ model of service to God, the poor, and all the world’s peoples and species can renew the face of the earth.

Bill McKibben offers a forward, which challenges us all. The insights of the ecologist, land ethicist and author Aldo Leopold  are also woven through the book, providing additional confirmation of the wisdom of Pope John Paul II.

I hope you like it.  It offers guidance on the flow of spiritual and physical energies through the world and how to live more in harmony with God the Creator and all of creation, including each other.

Blessings on your ongoing journey of living out your ecological vocation more fully, deeply, faithfully, and joyfully.

Marybeth