We, Dominican Sisters of Hope, are called to preach the Gospel to our world. In communion with all creation, we commit our lives to the transforming power of Hope.
Our very mission statement recognizes our interdependence with creation. It also affirms the deep power of living in a hope-oriented way. These beliefs compel us to unite with people of faith around the globe to begin a process of education, reflection, and response to the cry of the earth, our common home.
We do so as Dominican Sisters of Hope and Associates, along with staff of the congregation and The Center at Mariandale, by committing to the Laudato Si’ Action Platform (LSAP). LSAP is a 7-year, international collaboration in response to Pope Francis’ 2015 encyclical which calls on “every person living on this planet” to take urgent action to respond to the cry of the earth and the cry of the poor, those most impacted by the climate emergency.
We do so in solidarity with Indigenous People, in particular with the descendants of the Sint Sinck, the original inhabitants of the land on which we work and live at Mariandale, as we explore further legal protections for this land. We do so seeking to follow their example in recognizing the sacredness of Earth and by advocating for Earth.
We do so by acknowledging the ways in which the climate emergency is a symptom of intertwined social, economic, and political crises, requiring an integrated approach to solutions.
We do so believing creation is our first scripture, that is, the first communication of Godself to us, and this sacred trust is advanced by all we are and do, including:
- Stewardship of our individual and corporate finances
- Generosity to other organizations that witness our values to the world
- Relationships with the broader community in all its diversity
- Preaching that promotes truth, justice, mercy, and hope
- Justice work that challenges inequity on a systemic level
We do so trusting that contemplation transforms who we are and how we relate to others and the world, and that as Dominicans, we have a special vocation to hand on the fruits of contemplation to others.
We urge our partners, families, young people, and others to join us on the journey and commit to the Laudato Si’ Action Platform: https://laudatosiactionplatform.org
Sr. Catherine McDonnell, OP,
Prioress
Sr. Margaret Anderson, OP
Councilor
Sr. Connie Kelly, OP
Councilor
Sr. Patricia Magee, OP
Councilor
Sr. Elizabeth Menard, OP
Councilor
Public Commitment
November 12, 2021