Integral Ecology

Franciscan Tradition of Care for Creation

St. Francis of Assisi, patron saint of ecology, lived his life according to the Gospel and in part to be a steward, an advocate, for the heavens and Earth as they reflect God's love among us.

He gave thanks for Brother Sun, Sister Moon, Brothers Wind and Air, Brother Fire and Sister Mother Earth in his prayer Canticle of the Creatures: "All praise be yours, my Lord, through all you have made."

FSPA invites others to experience God's presence in nature. Using our land resources to model sustainability practices and spirituality for others is a very significant way of continuing FSPA's long-standing tradition of education ministry. We celebrate God's presence in all of creation through political involvement, social change, sustainability and healthy lifestyles.

Environmental Responsibility & Laudato Si'

Pope Francis released his Laudato Si' encyclical in 2015, an urgent call to ecological sustainability. And in 2021, he invited all of us to take significant action. Building on our Franciscan legacy of caring for creation, FSPA accepted Pope Francis' invitation and committed to the seven-year journey for the greater good known as the Laudato Si' Action Platform.

"We need a new ecological approach that can transform our way of dwelling in the world, our styles of life, our relationship with the resources of the Earth and, in general, our way of looking at humanity and of living life," Pope Francis said in a video message in May of 2021. And we promise to make our voices heard whenever opportunities arise.

Voices of Hope and Faith

FSPA Integral Ecology Director, Beth Piggush, was invited to share FSPA's story during a webinar hosted by the Laudato Si Action Platform, titled "Voices of Hope and Faith: Global Catholic Religious in the Heart of Climate Action." During the webinar, Beth joined five panelists from around the world to discuss how they're using integral ecology practices to address environmental and social challenges.

"Men and women religious around the world are often in locations and in contact with communities affected by the environmental and social challenges of today’s ecological crises. Inspired by their faith and their charisms, they are discovering integral ecology as an essential part of their mission and are taking action to respond to the cry of the earth and the cry of the poor."

Listen to Beth's section of the discussion below as she connects Laudato Si with FSPA's Provocative Movements -- relationships, gospel living and unity in diversity.