Celebrate by Transforming Our Lifestyles

Note: The following information was provided to our Climate Change Task Force.

In the Letter of Saint Paul to the Philippians proclaimed in today’s liturgy, the Apostle calls us to “conduct yourselves in a way worthy of the gospel of Christ.”

Along with Ecumenical Patriarch Bartholomew, Pope Francis urges us to adopt lifestyles that are ecologically responsible and expressive of the gospel of Christ:

“Let us add to the flow of this mighty river by transforming our lifestyles. Starting from grateful wonder at the Creator and his creation, let us repent of our ‘ecological sins,’ as my brother, Ecumenical Patriarch Bartholomew, has urged. These sins harm the world of nature and our fellow men and women. With the help of God’s grace, let us adopt lifestyles marked by less waste and unnecessary consumption, especially where the processes of production are toxic and unsustainable. Let us be as mindful as we can about our habits, and economic decisions so that all can thrive — our fellow men and women wherever they may be, and future generations as well. Let us cooperate in God’s ongoing creation through positive choices: using resources with moderation and a joyful sobriety disposing and recycling waste, and making greater use of available products and services that are environmentally and socially responsible.” (Message of Pope Francis for Creation Day 2023).