A group of sisters at Mount Alvernia in Millvale, Pennsylvania are growing in their commitment to care for God’s creation this Lenten season. Each week, they gather to discuss and share their reflections on the Pope Francis’ encyclical and book entitled, “Laudato Si’ – On Care for our Common Home.”
Sister Donna Zwigart, who serves as facilitator of the group, says the encyclical is one of her favorite books because not only is it Franciscan, but it is fact-based. “If we know the facts about threats to the environment, we can do something about them.”
She is pleased to help sisters learn and reflect on Pope Francis’ teaching, and find direction on ways to respond. “I want to give them an opportunity to talk about it and have a greater awareness of our common home,” she says. “Since Lent is a time of penance and conversion, it is an appropriate time for this.”
The book is comprised of six chapters, one for each week of Lent. During their time together sisters focus on one chapter and discuss ways they can help to protect the environment, not just for the present moment, but for future generations.