“This has been encouraging”, said Columban eco-theologian Fr Sean McDonagh as we reflected together after a month of constant engagements aimed at bringing Laudato Si': On Care for our Common Home to life in Australia. Fr Sean is well-known for his 40 years of prophetic commitment to researching and teaching about the impact of the economic system on the poor and the Earth. He sees Pope Francis’ Encyclical as one of the most important papal documents in the last 120 years. 
When we first mooted Fr Sean's coming to Australia from Ireland, he was somewhat reluctant because of the heavy carbon footprint. He also visited the Philippines and Fiji where the impacts of climate change are affecting the poor. His passion and deep knowledge has energised the hundreds of people who came to the various events. Scientists among the audiences were positive about Laudato Si'.
In each of his presentations, Fr Sean acknowledged local environmental issues, but some key messages shone through:
In Laudato Si' creation theology moves from being just human-centred to recognising the intrinsic worth of other species. This changes everything about how we relate to God. It opens up a new cosmic understanding of Trinity.- The encyclical is about more than climate change. It is about economic, environmental and evangelical issues.
- Pope Francis addresses every person on the planet to take seriously that Earth, our common home is in urgent need of care.
- Pope Francis refers to Ecumenical Patriarch Bartholomew’s words, “For human beings to destroy the biological diversity of God’s creation… these are sins.” Fr Sean challenged audiences by saying we don’t believe this. It is time to change our ways.
Fr Sean says we need to get to know Laudato Si' by reading it, reflecting on it and praying about it. For this to happen Fr Sean would like to see a three year synod on creation, beginning at the local level and incorporating expert input from the local community.
As the overall Co-ordinator of the Australian speaking tour, I was grateful for the willing collaboration of so many people. In each diocese of Brisbane, Adelaide, Sydney, Melbourne and Perth, the Evangelisation and Justice and Peace Offices co-ordinated events and arranged media interviews. On behalf of the Columban Mission Institute, the Columban ANZ Region and the partners who gave so much to enable Fr Sean’s wisdom to reach a wide range of people - Australian Catholic University, Catholic Earthcare Australia, Sydney Archdiocese Justice and Peace Office and Earthkin Parramatta Mercy Sisters, I say a huge thank you. We pray that the energy created will continue and grow.
Anne Lanyon is the Co-ordinator Centre for Peace Ecology and Justice, at the Columban Mission Institute in North Sydney.
NB: A podcast of Sean’s talk is available on www.xt3.com/library/view
