Monthly Reflection,
June 2020
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Laudato Sì and Pallottine Spirituality
Laudato Sì – Our Common Home
Laudato Sì – Our Common Home
The communities that do not generate vocations are sad expressions of sterility. The encyclical of Pope Francis interrogates us on those things that distance us from the Gospel and that prevent us from being witnesses to the infinite love of God. Without the witness of healthy relationships our houses will inevitably remain empty.
We can see some points of contact between Pallottine spirituality and “Laudato Sì”. For Pallotti, the spiritual dimension is centred on the relationship between the person and God. The person is limited, sinful and fragile in the face of the greatness of God, who is full of mercy and infinite. Because of this, it seems that the human being is insignificant, nothing and this leaves him/her almost in existential conflict. This is because we are like rough stones that have to be restored and polished in such a way that the best in us can appear in the merciful light of His love.
For that reason, purification will take place only until there is fraternal co-existence with the necessary adjustments in such a way that motivated and stimulated, each person achieves their own personal growth.
Therefore, detachment and openness without prejudices are essential in creating a respectful environment in communities which in turn leads each individual to take an interest in the other so that the outcome is living together in mutual respect that considers the natural, cultural, spiritual and psychological environment.
Pope Francis, in “Laudato Sì” suggests to us an integral ecology, which involves taking care of nature but also taking care of each other, without excluding anyone. The preoccupation with the natural world also involves the life of society. Pallotti, during the course of his life, occupied himself with defining the outlines of the relationship between the person and God. Furthermore, such a relationship involves the inclusion of the other and of the environment in which we live.
Pallotti, because of his physical fragility, was not able to become a Franciscan, but he lived intensely the spirit of Saint Francis of Assisi. He also lived profoundly Francis’ total surrender to God, blessing the created world in his relationship as a finite, limited man with the infinitely merciful Creator. In all things Pallotti revealed God as One who loved him to infinity notwithstanding his insignificance, misery and sin. He lived profoundly his total surrender to God, as Francis of Assisi did in his admiration, praise and glory of God for all that exists in nature.
The relationship between Pallottine spirituality and “Laudato Sì” can be seen in the emphasis given by Pallotti regarding his limitation and fragility, but always raised up by the infinite love of God for mankind and for all of nature.
The care that we have to take of the world created by God obliges us to act with responsibility, love and respect. In this way we will be custodians of creation, God’s gift to us. God, in His infinite love, never tires of exhorting us and inviting us to be united, altruistic and generous with our common home.
We can see some points of contact between Pallottine spirituality and “Laudato Sì”. For Pallotti, the spiritual dimension is centred on the relationship between the person and God. The person is limited, sinful and fragile in the face of the greatness of God, who is full of mercy and infinite. Because of this, it seems that the human being is insignificant, nothing and this leaves him/her almost in existential conflict. This is because we are like rough stones that have to be restored and polished in such a way that the best in us can appear in the merciful light of His love.
For that reason, purification will take place only until there is fraternal co-existence with the necessary adjustments in such a way that motivated and stimulated, each person achieves their own personal growth.
Therefore, detachment and openness without prejudices are essential in creating a respectful environment in communities which in turn leads each individual to take an interest in the other so that the outcome is living together in mutual respect that considers the natural, cultural, spiritual and psychological environment.
Pope Francis, in “Laudato Sì” suggests to us an integral ecology, which involves taking care of nature but also taking care of each other, without excluding anyone. The preoccupation with the natural world also involves the life of society. Pallotti, during the course of his life, occupied himself with defining the outlines of the relationship between the person and God. Furthermore, such a relationship involves the inclusion of the other and of the environment in which we live.
Pallotti, because of his physical fragility, was not able to become a Franciscan, but he lived intensely the spirit of Saint Francis of Assisi. He also lived profoundly Francis’ total surrender to God, blessing the created world in his relationship as a finite, limited man with the infinitely merciful Creator. In all things Pallotti revealed God as One who loved him to infinity notwithstanding his insignificance, misery and sin. He lived profoundly his total surrender to God, as Francis of Assisi did in his admiration, praise and glory of God for all that exists in nature.
The relationship between Pallottine spirituality and “Laudato Sì” can be seen in the emphasis given by Pallotti regarding his limitation and fragility, but always raised up by the infinite love of God for mankind and for all of nature.
The care that we have to take of the world created by God obliges us to act with responsibility, love and respect. In this way we will be custodians of creation, God’s gift to us. God, in His infinite love, never tires of exhorting us and inviting us to be united, altruistic and generous with our common home.
Sr. Terezinha Barbosa CSAC
São João do Paraíso/Mascote – Brazil
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