As the sun rises over Narragansett Bay, casting a golden glow across salt marshes and historic streets, we are reminded of the profound gift we have received. This April, as we observe Earth Day during this extraordinary Jubilee Year marking 800 years (1226–2026) since the transitus of St. Francis of Assisi, the Diocese of Providence joins the universal Church in a chorus of gratitude and praise to God, the “Author” of all life. Pope Leo XIV on establishing the extraordinary jubilee invites us to pause, to slow down, to take notice of our surroundings. That is, we are to take a moment to feel the grass under our feet, to breathe deeply the fresh air about us, and to marvel at the glorious, blue sky above.
The Spirit of Laudato Si
More than a decade ago, Pope Francis gave the Church and the world Laudato Si (On Care for Our Common Home). His message remains a clarion call: the earth is not a mere resource to be exploited, but a “sister with whom we share our life and a beautiful mother who opens her arms to embrace us.” Pope Francis reminds us that we cannot separate the “cry of the earth” from the “cry of the poor.” In Rhode Island, where our coastal communities face the rising tides of climate change, this “integral ecology” is not a theoretical concept—it is a lived reality. Protecting our environment is an act of justice for the generations of Rhode Islanders yet to come.
The Canticle of the Sun
Our inspiration flows from the 13th century, back to the “Poverello” of Assisi. Commemorating the 800th anniversary of Saint Francis’ death, we return to his masterpiece, the Canticle of the Sun (Laudes Creaturarum). Saint Francis did not see nature as something separate from himself. He sang of “Brother Sun” and “Sister Moon,” recognizing a familial bond between all living things. When he praised God through “Sister Water,” describing her as “precious and chaste,” he invited us to see the sacredness in the very elements that sustain our state—from the Blackstone River to the Atlantic shores.
A Jubilee with a Mission
The Jubilee of St. Francis is not just an historical commemoration; it is an invitation to a “conversion of heart.” Pope Francis challenged us to move away from a “throwaway culture” and toward a lifestyle of simplicity and stewardship. This Earth Day and in the months ahead, let us ask ourselves: How can we, our families, our parishes, and Diocese better reflect Franciscan joy?
• Contemplate: Spend time at our local parks and beaches, recognizing the Creator’s hand in the beauty of the Ocean State.
• Conserve: Reduce waste and energy consumption as a spiritual discipline.
• Form Green Teams: Establish parish groups to audit energy use, to create community gardens, and to pick up trash and litter.
• Advocate: Support policies that protect the vulnerable and preserve our natural heritage. Engage in local and national advocacy with organizations like the Catholic Climate Covenant and our Diocesan Laudato Si Commission.
• Plenary Indulgence: This is available to the faithful by visiting any Franciscan conventual church or shrine under the typical conditions: sacramental confession, Holy Communion, and prayer for the Holy Father’s intention. The elderly, the sick, and those who, for serious reasons, are unable to leave their homes may obtain the Plenary Indulgence by spiritually joining the Jubilee celebrations and offering their prayers, sufferings, or hardships to God.
As Saint Francis prayed, “Praise and bless my Lord and give Him thanks and serve Him with great humility.” May we, the people of the Diocese of Providence, honor God, our Creator, by becoming tireless guardians of the creation He has entrusted to our care.
