On the occasion of International Mother Earth Day, which in 2025 coincides with the tenth anniversary of Pope Francis’ encyclical “Laudato Si‘”, we note the echoes of this text in our Chapter Document “Born Again”, and share images of the activities organized for this day in the Vedruna schools of the Vedrun America Province, such as the Vedruna Assistance Center in Maringá, Brazil; or in the College of St. Ursula, in Sullana, Peru.
International Mother Earth Day 2025, which was celebrated on April 22, coincided with the tenth anniversary of Pope Francis’ encyclical“Laudato Si‘”, a key document on caring for our planet and fighting climate change. Just one day before, the Pope passed away.
This year, the day emphasizes the importance of renewable energies and collective action. We are called to reflect on the Catholic Church’s call for environmental stewardship, inspired by “Laudato Si'”, considering care for the Earth a moral imperative and a fundamental part of its mission. Although St. Joaquina de Vedruna did not leave specific writings on ecology or the environment, her life and spirituality reflect a deep sensitivity to creation and care for the environment.
Centro Asistencial Vedruna de Maringá, Brazil
In our Chapter Document “Born Again”, we emphasize our commitment to peace, justice and integral ecology in harmony with a spirituality that recognizes God in all Creation, promoting a simple, fraternal and supportive life.
“The reality of indigenous peoples also places us on the peripheries. We are walking in some places with them and with international organizations that work for their causes, often related to the care of Mother Earth. As Laudato Si’ reminds us: Care for the environment and care for the poor are “inseparable”.
(NdN21)
The Laudato Si’ Movement, of which we as a Congregation are a part, organizes Laudato Si’ Week, a celebration of the teachings of the encyclical, which often includes events and discussions on environmental stewardship. Parishes and communities are encouraged to organize events and activities that promote environmental awareness and action. This includes raising awareness about climate change, promoting sustainable practices and engaging in dialogue on environmental issues. The Laudato Si’ Movement also encourages individuals and organizations to share their efforts to protect creation, both online and in their communities. Year after year, in our schools, there is always some project linked to the care of the Common Home, such as recycling, greenhouses, vegetable gardens, etc.
Francis, through “Laudato Si'”, became a moral compass for the ecological movement and a fatherly guide for all humanity. “The climate is a common good, of all and for all” (LS 23). In the same document the Pope stated that we cannot speak of two separate crises (environmental and social) but of a single, complex socio-environmental crisis.
As a Congregation, we aspire to keep alive the mandates of “Laudato Si'”, caring for the Common Home by promoting ecological conversion through education and commitment. In the Vedruna spirit, caring for the Earth is also caring for life, dignity and the future of people.
We bid farewell to a Pope who gave voice to the voiceless. Not only to migrants, indigenous peoples, victims of war or trafficking but also to our wounded planet.
Santa Ursula School, in Sullana, Peru
Francisco Jáuregui
Communication, prophecy and care of Creation VedrunAmerica
