Protect the priceless gift of a clean environment

As we anticipate the Feast of St. Francis of Assisi on Oct. 4, we see farmers in the fields harvesting their crops across magnificent contoured landscapes. And, as the trees in Northeast Iowa turn to their beautiful autumn color palette, we’re reminded that incomparable in terms of beauty is the gift of creation. As Pope Francis relates, none of us is responsible for this magnificence. It is purely provided out of a spirit of love.

In 2015, Pope Francis, in that same spirit, released “Laudato Si- On Care for our Common Home.” (translated from Latin as “Praise be to You”) Using the “Canticle of the Sun” written by St. Francis of Assisi in the 13th century as an integrating theme, he reminded us that great appreciation and care are expected and required when we receive any treasured gift. But, more importantly, he sounded a clarion call to care for creation, recognizing the disturbing reality that we’ve treated this gift with neglect, thus damaging this unrepeatable blessing.

As published on Sept. 26 by Vatican News, this Feast of St. Francis of Assisi we can look forward to a new environmental papal document, titled “Laudato Deum,” translated as “Praise to God.” The news agency reported that during a Sept. 21 meeting between the pontiff and a group of Latin American University rectors, he revealed the title and said that the document would be “a look at what has happened and say what needs to be done”

Although dubbed the “green” Pope, he is not the first papal leader to voice environmental concerns. Pope Paul VI said at the 1977 Worldwide Day for the Environment, “This consciousness of the environment around us is more pressing today than ever. Men who have the means and the ability to construct and ennoble the world about them can also destroy it and squander its goods.”

But have we listened to church leaders and others who’ve sounded the alarm, and are we taking action?

According to a 2022 Energy Information Administration report, Iowa is near the top among states generating the most wind and utility-scale solar energy. Only the massive geographies of Texas and California create more than the Hawkeye state. This is good news for a state known most for its fertile farmland. But, we shouldn’t be surprised because common sense, hardworking Iowan farm families have understood stewardship of the land for generations. Most of these Iowans are responsible caretakers of the land they toil, working to preserve it and its fruitfulness for future generations.

However, in solidarity with all people of goodwill, we recognize our world is much greater than Iowa. As a global community, we must face the reality that the misuse of God’s gift has impacted our climate. As inhabitants of this world, we are the culprits of this damage. Fortunately, we can let go of the strategies that created the problem and turn toward greater use of renewable energy.

In light of how our world might look for our grandchildren, their children, and future generations, the proposed changes require relatively little sacrifice or inconvenience compared to the threats and difficulties they will face. We fully know all that our forebears have done for us to enjoy the quality of life that is ours. To truly show appreciation for this treasure, we must go further to ensure the priceless gift of a clean environment for the generations that will be our heirs.

Let us pray in a spirit of awakening and conversion that the Pope’s newest environmental document will open hearts and create further action, saying again what needs to be done.

On Oct. 4, the Archdiocese of Dubuque is hosting a screening of the documentary "The Letter- a Message for our Earth" at the National Mississippi River Museum. There will be a reception at 6 p.m. with the screening at 6:30 p.m., and a panel discussion to follow featuring Bishop Pates and other city and environmental leaders. Admission is free, but preregistration is required at www.rivermuseum.org/events/community-movie-screening-letter-message-our-earth

Bishop Richard Pates is Apostolic Administrator and Deacon Brian Zeman is Director of Life, Earth, and Social Justice Ministry for the Archdiocese of Dubuque.