Laudato Si’ in a Hurry

Telling the Story: Integral Ecology, Laudato Si’ and a Way Forward

A one-day introduction to the principles of Integral Ecology as expressed in Pope Francis’ monumental 2015 encyclical letter. Presented by Fr. Dirk Dunfee, SJ & Nolan Scharper

The prevailing story we’ve told about the place and role of humanity in the world is one of disconnection, hard dominion and ownership without accountability. It has prevented our becoming the loving stewards God intended. It has brought the world and her creatures – including humanity – to the brink of ruin. We must find a better way.

The better way begins with a better story. It is a story of connection and interdependence, anchored in the reality of ecosystems and relationships. It has the power to heal and reconcile; it provides the way forward that so many have longed for, and not just for our planet but for broken human relationships and failing societies.

You’re invited to spend a day with us on the 600 acres that are the home for the Ignatius Centre for Integral Ecology to explore this new story. Together we’ll acquaint ourselves with the history and principles of Integral Ecology, newly established as a discipline but in reality a way of proceeding that has existed among groups of the world’s indigenous peoples for thousands of years. Our point of reference will be Pope Francis’ signal 2015 encyclical letter Laudato Si’, an eloquent and urgent call for ecological and societal conversion. The goal for the day? That you’ll leave with the understanding and appreciation needed to embrace the future with hope and purpose.

• Arrival 9:00 am; we’ll wrap things up by 3:00 pm. We’ll break for lunch at noon. Please bring your own lunch. We’ll provide snacks, coffee and tea.
• The day will include an easy walk down to the wooden bridge overlooking Marden Creek, which flows across our property. You’ll want a hat of some kind and walking shoes.
• To give attendees time to reflect and discuss, we’re limiting the size of any one group to ten or twelve, in person and face to face.
• We’re asking those who attend to pay only what they can afford. We’re not in this to make a profit; at the same time we must cover our costs so as to remain viable. A contribution of approximately $50 per person would help us do that, though we welcome whatever amount is accessible and meaningful for each participant.
• You’ll give yourself a head start on the day by reading beforehand the 16-paragraph “Introduction” to Laudato Si’. You may find yourself inspired to read further…. Regardless, Laudato Si’ is available for free (along with many other official Catholic documents) at the Vatican website: https://www.vatican.va/content/francesco/en/encyclicals/documents/papa-francesco_20150524_enciclica-laudato-si.html. We have a limited supply of copies of the encyclical available for purchase (at cost).

Inspired by the generosity at the heart of the Ignatian tradition, IJC offers some of its programs by donation. We invite those with limited financial means to contribute whatever they can, while those who are able to give more help make these programs possible for others. Every contribution, whatever its size, is gratefully received.