Pope Francis' Invitation

Our diocese is joining with the Universal Church to respond to Pope Francis' invitation to embark on a seven-year pilgrimage of conversion, prayer, learning and action to preserve and protect our earthly home and, with it, human life.

This journey is inspired by the Pope's 2015 encyclical Laudato Si' - On Care for our Common Home in which he asks "all people of good will" to join together to create momentum to stop the degradation of the environment. As Catholics, the Holy Father calls us to begin by learning about Laudato Si' and conforming ourselves to the Heart of Christ through its precepts.

Bishop Burbidge is committing our diocese to implement the 7-Year mission, to help our diocesan faithful understand and take to heart the animating vision of LS - regaining a spiritual attitude toward creation, of respecting and living in harmony with it.

The journey is just beginning. Resources for prayer, learning, as well as steps large and small that we can take to live more lightly on this earth, will be provided.

Learn about the 7-Year Vatican Action Platform.

Homily by Bishop Michael F. Burbidge for Laudato Si' Anniversary Year on May 15, 2021 at Saint Bernadette Catholic Church in Springfield, Virginia.

Bishop Burbidge Homily Laudato Si

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