The title of Pope Francis’ Encyclical Letter means “Praise be to you.” It is taken from the first line of the Canticle of St. Francis which praises God with all of creation. 1

Creation is of the order of love. God’s love is the fundamental moving force in all created things… #77 2

When we speak of the “environment” what we mean is a relationship between nature and the society which lives in it… 3

Recognizing why a given area is polluted requires a study of the society, its economy, its behaviour patterns and the ways it grasps reality. #139 4

Concern for the environment needs to be joined to a sincere love for our fellow human beings and an unwavering commitment to resolving the problems of society. #91 5

Underlying the principal of the common good is respect for the human person endowed with basic.. rights ordered to his or her integral development. #157 6

Many professionals, opinion makers.. and centres of power being located in affluent urban areas are far removed from the poor… #49 7

In the family we first learn how to show love and respect for life; we are taught the proper use of things,… respect for local ecosystems and care for all creatures. #213 8

Every creature is the object of the Father’s tenderness who gives it its place in the world. #77 9

Each year hundreds of millions of tons of waste are generated… The earth our home is beginning to look more and more like an immense pile of filth. #21 10

Most global warming.. is due to the concentration of greenhouse gases… released mainly as a result of human activity. #23 11

Things are made worse by the loss of tropical forests which would otherwise help to mitigate climate change. #24 #24 12

Living our vocation to be protectors of God’s handiwork is essential.. It is not an optional or secondary aspect of our Christian experience. #217 13

In calling to mind St. Francis of Assisi, we come to realize that a healthy relationship with creation is one dimension of personal conversion, which entails the recognition of our errors, sins, and failures and leads to heartfelt repentance and desire to change. #218 14

There is a nobility in the duty of care for creation through little daily actions, and it is wonderful how education can bring about real changes in lifestyle. #211 Ecological education can take place.. at school, in families, in the media, in catechesis and elsewhere. #213 15

16

O Lord, seize us with your power and light, help us to protect all life, to prepare for a better future, for the coming of your Kingdom of justice, peace, love and beauty. Praise be to you! (Laudato si’) Amen. Taken from A Christian Prayer in Union with Creation. 17

Canticle of St. Francis of Assisi 1. All Creatures of Our God and King, Lift up your voice and with us sing: Alleluia! Alleluia! 18

O burning sun with golden beam, And silver moon with softer gleam, O praise God, O praise God, Alleluia, alleluia, alleluia! 19

2.O rushing wind and breezes soft, O clouds that ride the winds aloft, Alleluia! Alleluia! 20

O rising morn in praise rejoice, O lights of evening, find a voice. O praise God, Alleluia, alleluia, alleluia! 21

3. O flowing waters, pure and clear, Make music for your Lord to hear. Alleluia! Alleluia! 22

O fire so masterful and bright, Providing us with warmth and light, O praise God, Alleluia, alleluia, alleluia! 23

Dear Mother Earth who day by day Unfolds rich blessings on our way, Alleluia! Alleluia! 24

The fruits and flowers that verdant grow, Let them God’s praise abundant show. O praise God, Alleluia, alleluia, alleluia! 25

5. O everyone of tender heart, Forgiving others take your part, Alleluia! 26

All you who pain and sorrow bear, Praise God on whom you cast your care. O Praise God, O praise God! Alleluia, alleluia, alleluia! 27