Pope Francis, in his encyclical Laudato Si’, reminds us that our common home — the earth — is not property to be exploited, but a gift to be protected, an environment that calls us to responsibility. He writes: “This sister, the earth, protests against the harm we inflict on her through irresponsible use and abuse of the goods with which God has endowed her.” (Laudato Si’)
He also emphasizes that everything is connected: ecosystems, human beings, the poor, the environment. To care for the planet is to care for our brothers and sisters. (Laudato Si’)
From the spirituality of the Assumption, we learn an essential triad: prayer-community-mission, a simple, fraternal life, open to service, with the Kingdom of God as its horizon. In this vision, small daily gestures are not secondary: they are concrete expressions of love, inner conversion, and the witness of faith. (Why pray for Creation)
The Religious of the Assumption, and all who share their charism, live this spirituality with the following traits: simplicity of life, fraternity, shared responsibility, and openness to the world.
Marie Eugénie of Jesus once said: “The world is not large enough for my love,” a phrase that reveals a heart embracing creation as a gift, as a space of service and mission. (Assumpta)
Similarly, in the Assumption, prayer is not meant to be isolated but to lead us into mission: to care, to heal, to protect. Praying for creation is not only thanksgiving; it transforms the one who prays and propels them into action. (Why pray for Creation)
In Genesis, God creates the earth, the sea, plants, and animals, and sees that it is good. Humanity is entrusted with the mission to “till and keep” the garden (Gen 2:15). This foundational mandate places us as guardians, not exploiters.
Paul, in Romans 8:22, says that “the whole creation has been groaning” in expectation of liberation. This cry includes the environment itself.
Jesus teaches values of simplicity, generosity, and care for others (cf. Mt 6:26-30; Lk 12:22-31). It is a way of life that rejects waste and cherishes simplicity.
Each person, whether religious or lay, has different possibilities. Here are some small yet powerful gestures:
Reduce single-use plastic. Use reusable bags, durable bottles, avoid over-packaged products.
Separate waste properly. Learn to recycle according to local rules. Compost if possible. Avoid mixing organic with non-recyclable waste.
Save energy. Turn off unnecessary lights, unplug devices, use energy-saving bulbs, choose ventilation over excessive air conditioning.
Choose local and sustainable. Buy local, organic produce, support small farmers. Avoid unnecessary long-distance food transport.
Conserve water. Do not leave taps running, take shorter showers, collect rainwater for watering when possible, fix leaks.
Responsible transport. Walk, cycle, use public transport, carpool, or opt for less polluting vehicles.
Community awareness. In your parish, community, or school: organize clean-up campaigns, plant trees, host ecological reflection groups, involve young people.
Prayer and contemplation. Spend time contemplating nature, recognizing it as God’s work, and giving thanks. This attitude strengthens commitment and perseverance.
Small gestures matter. What may seem modest at an individual level, multiplied, can transform homes, communities, and cities. Inspired by Laudato Si’ and by the spirituality of the Assumption, we are called to live with simplicity, gratitude, and responsibility.
May each day we build together a lifestyle that cares for our common home, fosters fraternity, and honors the Creator in every creature.
Read: The Season of Creation: Keys to living it out as a Family
Almudena de la Torre
Communication Team