The year is coming to an end and it is time to experience Advent. Reflecting on this time, we think of “light”, “celebration” and “anticipation of the coming of Christ”.
These themes could not resonate better in LSM, as we have had many blessings and reasons to celebrate this year, and we owe it all to the hundreds of thousands of members who make up this global movement.
WATCH: 2022 in numbers
For all this, we would like to revisit together our top 10 memories of 2022:
1. The release of "The Letter"
The protagonists of the movie The Letter celebrated the premiere at the Vatican on October 4th.
Without a doubt, the highlight of the year was the premiere of The Letter, Laudato Si’ Movement’s film. After 6 years of work and a global pandemic, the premiere took place at the Vatican on a memorable day: the feast of St. Francis of Assisi, the patron saint of ecology. It was incredible! And three days later we had already reached one million views. If you haven’t already, we encourage you to watch the film.
2. Many community screenings were held
Panelists participating in a discussion following the screening of The Letter, in Madrid (Spain), with more than 30 local organizations.
Many LSM members and leaders have taken the film to their communities. Numerous screenings have been organized to inspire bold action on behalf of our common home, from large events at global summits such as COP 27 and COP 15 to smaller events in local parishes around the world.
3. The Laudato Si' Animators course and the entire movement continued to grow
Laudato Si’ Animators Graduation – October 2022
Inspired by the film, this year we have seen even more people join the movement. We are grateful to now have 12,000 certified Laudato Si’ Animators, over 1,000 member organizations, more than 210 local circles and 80 chapters in over 180 countries acting together. They are all doing incredible work in their communities and we are eternally grateful for their commitment to climate and ecological justice.
4. Message for the World Day of Prayer for the Care of Creation
In an unprecedented press conference, Pope Francis released his message ahead of the World Day of Prayer for the Care of Creation, which marks the beginning of the Season of Creation. The Supreme Pontiff asked that we “return to pray in the great cathedral of creation, enjoying the “great cosmic choir” of countless creatures singing praises to God.”
5. We celebrated the seventh anniversary of the encyclical Laudato Si'
From May 22-29, people from all walks of life gathered in their local and global communities in a synodal way to listen to the cry of the Earth and the poor and find ways to address the climate crisis with synergy and contemplative action – “contempl-action.”
6. The Season of Creation
In a new edition of the Season of Creation, from September 1 to October 4, the theme this year was “Listening to the voice of creation” and the symbol was the “burning bush”. From north to south and from east to west, thousands of communities of different Christian denominations gathered to celebrate, pray and take action for the common home.
7. COP 27 in Egypt
Representatives of different Catholic institutions at COP 27
From November 6 to 18, COP 27 was held in the city of Sharm El-Sheikh, Egypt. A delegation from the Laudato Si’ Movement was present in order to disseminate the film The Letter and defend the Catholic ideals. Although the outcome of the agreements was not as expected, the great work carried out by religious organizations and the progress that could be achieved stood out.
8. Fossil Fuel Non-Proliferation Treaty was launched
The Fossil Fuel Non-Proliferation Treaty (FFNPT) is a global initiative that strives for an international regime that complements the Paris Agreement in addressing the still growing supply of fossil fuels. Laudato Si’ Movement joined the treaty’s outreach team, carrying out various actions to motivate its implementation and compliance.
9. We launched the Laudato Si' Movement Prayer Book
The Laudato Si’ Movement Prayer Book, available in four languages, was published with 62 prayers from contributors from around the world. The book was a collaborative effort of this movement and the Catholic Church. It contains prayers for every moment of our lives, including prayers for mornings and evenings, as well as prayers for special moments, such as prayers for justice and prayers for hope and encouragement. If you don’t already have it, you can download it here.
10. Bishops committed to Laudato Si' worldwide
During 2022 initiatives have emerged from various bishops and Bishops’ Conferences in several countries, supporting Pope Francis with Laudato Si’ policies. Examples include the Filipino bishops and their commitment to divestment, the bishops who spoke out on Earth Day, the statement of the African bishops and also that of the bishops of the United States.
So many events, don’t you think?! However, we are convinced that hundreds of thousands of Laudato Si’ stories have happened in local communities around the world that we have not been able to capture.
This movement wants to thank you for being part of it and for allowing us to continue to grow by leaps and bounds. Warmest thoughts and best wishes for a great start to 2023!
Wonderful , blessed and inspiring work that you have presented to us. May you be filled with the GIFT OF wisdom as you continue to nourish us with you many projects.May the Incarnation of The Christ Child incarnate new ideas as you continue your blessed work with The Laudato ‘.Si movement
Thank you, thank you for preparing this and sending it out to the world. We agree that the numero uno is The Letter! May we all keep working together in the coming months to spread the news that all creation needs our care. May we each hear the cry of the earth and the cry of the poor!
I am always encouraged by the many positive measures adopted by Laudato Si. During the Spring I enjoyed the presentations via Zoom about ongoing projects which help the environment that are going on in so many Catholic communities worldwide.