The Holy Family Association and Laudato Si

Reflecting on recent documents from Rome, including our letters preparing us for our 2027 General Chapter and on the encyclical “Laudato Si”, I was struck by the similarities of some points.
Firstly, in our Chapter letter, we are asked to give gratitude for all that has passed in our lives, and God’s graces to us. Similarly, in LS Chapter 3 we are reminded of the same, by acknowledging the gifts of God in Nature and in technical advancements through scientific achievements. Our Chapter logo weaves together a pictorial symbol which promotes creation, humanity, suffering and mission. It bids us to have Hope through our lived Charism.
In Ecological Crisis (Ch. 3 LS), we are treated to the awareness of the power of Technical Creativity in our Universe. We are encouraged to develop this awareness welcoming its addition to our milieu, not transgressing the laws of Nature but implementing the betterment of humanity and the relief of suffering.
Our Charism promotes interconnectedness and a spirituality which respects diversity and interculturality, advocating for the dispossessed and the rights of all people. In this Chapter of LS, much is written on the need to safeguard the rights of the under-privileged when Technology threatens to take over our lifestyles. This can be through manipulation, through companies large or small profiteering through offers of remuneration to trafficked persons, to land-grabbers who wish to build factories, warehouses etc, to store merchandise, or it could be through promotion of a lifestyle for all of us which encourages us to Buy, Buy, Buy the latest gadgets, phones, brands… and even to evade the smaller outlets which employ fewer workers.
Much of this leads to environmental decay and also to a lack of moral fibre where everything has to suit the person, never mind the effects on society in which we live. We are reminded by our Charism and our spirituality that we are meant to become counter-cultural. This does not mean we reject all that has been so generously given through Nature and God’s Providence but, to become through our Chapter even more aware of these calls and with others in our Institute, to Respond, Renew and Relate to the calls of today.

Sandra Harrington, Rock Ferry Cty.