VATICAN: Sequel to Pope Francis’ Laudato Si’ to be Released on October 4
Sr. Jecinter Antoinette Okoth, FSSA
The Holy Father recently revealed the plan to release another book he is working on as a continuation to the previously published Encyclical Letter Laudato Si’.
The anticipated book will be released on Wednesday, October 4, as Pope commences the first session of the 16th Ordinary General Assembly of the Synod of Bishops (October 4 to 29), and it will also be the feast day of St. Francis of Assisi who the Holy Father said inspired Laudato Si’ which was published in 2015, and delved deeply on care for creation which he calls “Our common home.”
According to the Vatican, the upcoming book addresses current issues on climate change, care for the environment, and the defense of human life and dignity. The sequel to Laudato Si’ therefore will be an Apostolic Exhortation, which is basically Pope’s encouragement message to the faithful and people of good will.
The release of Pope Francis’ exhortation will come at a time when the Catholic Church in solidarity with other Christians will be marking the end of Season of Creation, a month-long annual event which takes place from September 1 to October 4, and meant to “renew relationship with our Creator and all creation through celebration, conversion, and commitment.”
This year, the theme for ecumenical season of creation is “Let justice and peace flow,” and symbolised with the mighty river, an evocative image borrowed from prophet Amos in his message when he said, “Let justice flow on like a river, righteousness like a never-failing stream” (Amos 5:24).
In his message for this year’s season of creation, Pope Francis said, “as followers of Christ on our shared synodal journey, let us live, work and pray that our common home will teem with life once again, and may the Holy Spirit once more hover over the waters and guide our efforts to “renew the face of the earth.”
Reflecting upon Prophet Amos’ words the Pope highlighted that, “God wants justice to reign since it is as essential to our life as God’s children made in his likeness as water is essential for our physical survival.”
He noted further that, “This justice must flow forth wherever it is needed, neither remaining hidden deep beneath the ground nor vanishing like water that evaporates before it can bring sustenance.” Therefore, God wants everyone to strive to be just in every situation, to live according to his laws and thus to enable life to flourish.
