On April 22, 2025, we will celebrate the 55th anniversary of Earth Day.
While we’ve come a long way since that first Earth Day in 1970, we still have a very long way to go as we respond to the call of Laudato Sí, the encyclical by Pope Francis which will mark its tenth anniversary on May 24.
For us, Earth Day is more than an annual celebration—it is a solemn reminder of our moral and sacred responsibility to care for God’s creation. As Catholic Sisters and Associates rooted in the gospel, we are guided by the prophetic voice of Pope Francis in his encyclicals, Laudate Sí and in Laudate Deum. He pleads with us to see Earth not as a resource to be exploited, but as our common home—a home that is interconnected, fragile, and beloved by God.
Laudato Sí, mí Signore – “Praise be to you, my Lord.” In the words of this beautiful canticle, Saint Francis of Assisi reminds us that our common home is like a sister with whom we share our life and a beautiful mother who opens her arms to embrace us…. This sister now cries out to us because of the harm we have inflicted on her by our irresponsible use and abuse of the goods with which God has endowed her. We have come to see ourselves as her lords and masters, entitled to plunder her at will…. We have forgotten that we ourselves are dust of the earth (cf. Genesis 2:7); our very bodies are made up of her elements, we breathe her air and we receive life and refreshment from her waters.
– Pope Francis
Laudato Sí, 1-2
As people of faith, we hear the growing cries of Earth and the poor—those most affected by climate change, pollution, and environmental injustice. The ecological crisis we face is also a moral crisis, demanding that we reevaluate how we live, what we prioritize, and how we steward the resources entrusted to us. In caring for creation, we care for one another—especially those most vulnerable among us.
From Moment to Movement
Earth Day calls us not to a celebration of a moment in time, but to transformation—a movement rooted in healing, justice, and renewal. Whether by planting wildflowers to support pollinators, reducing waste, investing in clean energy, or supporting climate justice legislation, each action matters.
Earth Day’s theme, “Our Power, Our Planet,” serves as a bold and urgent call for action. It urges people of all ages, faiths, and nations to unite behind the transformative power of renewable energy. This year’s campaign has a powerful goal: tripling the global generation of renewable energy by 2030. The message is clear: the time to act is now.
“For years we have been fed the lie that only fossil fuels can power the planet—that is not true,” said Dennis Hayes, organizer of the very first Earth Day. Indeed, 49 countries, including Canada, Switzerland, Australia, New Zealand, Brazil, Norway, and Sweden, already generate more than half of their electricity from solar, wind, water, or geothermal energy, with goals to reach 100% renewable electricity by 2050.
There is an urgent need to develop policies so that the emission of carbon dioxide and other highly polluting gases can be drastically reduced by cutting back on the use of fossil fuels and developing more sources of renewable energy.
Taking Action Together
Let Earth Day be more than a “moment.” Join us in supporting the work of Catholic Climate Covenant in mobilizing the U.S. Catholic community to take action on both local and national levels:
- Advocate for policy changes that prioritize sustainability over short-term gains and increased renewable energy generation in our states and across the country.
- Encourage greater use of renewable energy within our Catholic institutions, schools, and parishes.
- Educate communities about climate change and inspiring lifestyle changes rooted in sustainability and justice.
- Practice sustainable living by evaluating personal habits and making conscious choices that reduce waste, support local economies, and minimize carbon footprints.
- Engage in prayer, reflections, or meditative practices that honor the beauty and sanctity of creation and expand our understanding our connection to Earth.
Let us walk together in faith, powered by hope, and grounded in love, as we take up the urgent call of this Earth Day. Together, we must reclaim our power and protect our planet—because Earth can no longer wait.