William Patenaude
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Care for Creation Series will use both faith and reason to unpack the ecological issues of our day
Differences in opinion on climate change are stark and prompt strong, passionate reactions from those supporting different sides of the issue. Within the Church, this debate distracts us from our … more
The connection between protecting human life and being a champion of the environment
As I write this, the Rhode Island pro-life community is reeling from the passage in our House of Representatives of a bill that would — among other evils — hardwire into state law the … more
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Changing the world one human heart at a time
A homily given last month by Cardinal Gerhard Müller, the former Prefect for the Congregation of the Doctrine of the Faith, made waves among Catholic eco-activists. Many thought the cardinal was … more
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Good, evil were hiding in last week’s first reading
Pop quiz: What was last Sunday’s first reading and why is it so important? Before I give the answer, I’ll say that this reading—and the entire biblical text from which it comes—is a topic … more
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We need revolutionary grace for great change
With Earth Day events continuing this week, it’s a good time to ask this question: what exactly do Catholics bring to the arena of ecological protection? Helping answer that question is the … more
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Pondering the price of our sins
Consider how the environmental community speaks to the world: you must change your ways; sacrifice for the good of others; deny your desires. You must become more selfless, charitable, and … more
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Eco-minded Resolutions for the New Year
Back in 2008, I wrote a column about why I was a lousy environmentalist. For months after its publication, I heard a lot from folks who enjoyed hearing about my failures. And so I figured, 10 years … more
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‘There’s too much talk about abortion’
That’s a comment you’ll hear in some secular, ecumenical, and (tragically) Catholic eco circles. It’s a complaint most often directed at Catholic hierarchy here in the states and at … more
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Let’s recommit to being better caretakers of creation
Pope Francis and Ecumenical Patriarch Bartholomew issued an historic joint statement on September 1st—the World Day of Prayer for the Care of Creation—which begins the five-week ecumenical … more
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Pope advocates for all to protect the environment despite living in a ‘Culture of Waste’
There was cheering two years ago this month when Pope Francis issued Laudato Si’, his long-awaited encyclical on the environment. But it was two years before that, at a weekly audience one fine … more
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The fight for a cleaner world isn't a political battle, it's a spiritual one
Why is it important for Catholics to remain active in climate advocacy? Catholics involved in issues of climate change know that some of our brothers and sisters are worried about the engagement … more
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Trusting in God's grace with the help of Mary
In recognition of Bishop Tobin’s call for a Year with Mary Our Mother on this the centennial of the Marian apparition at Fatima, I posted on my blog that those involved in ecological protection … more
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Protecting the great gift of God's life-sustaining creation
The election of Donald Trump came at a critical time in global efforts to reign in emissions from the burning of fuels like oil, gas, and coal — emissions that, among other ills, turn up the … more
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Engage in ecological issues in a peaceful way
“The weapon the devil has most at the ready for destroying the Church from within is division.” So said Pope Francis a few weeks ago when speaking to recently ordained bishops serving in … more
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Taking steps to live out Laudato Si' fully in the parish and in the community
It’s been a year since the release of Pope Francis’ blockbuster eco-encyclical Laudato Si’. Since then there’s been lots of talk about it. Now thanks to a group of international Catholic … more
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Holy Father’s writings integrated Gospel messages of temperance, mercy and justice
Pope Francis’s long-awaited apostolic exhortation “Amoris Laetitia,” “The Joy of Love,” released last week, has lots in common with his blockbuster 2015 encyclical on the environment, … more
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Ecology and the Eucharist
A woman called from another state last week concerned that her bishop wasn’t supporting an interfaith environmental statement. She had read about November’s Laudato Si’ event hosted by Bishop … more
Pope Francis: Clean water is a human right
“How could this happen in the United States?” That’s a question many ask when the topic of the water in Flint, Michigan comes up. It’s a good question. Here’s another: “Could this … more
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Church’s role in eco-activism must transform the human heart
There’s a lesson in the timing of when the big climate negotiations closed last week. After two decades of meetings, some 200 nations — including the United States — announced an agreement on … more
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Bishops: Climate is not just a Pope Francis issue
Did you hear the big news?Last week, the presidents of the continental Associations of Bishops’ Conferences — including the United States Conference of Catholic Bishops — issued a … more
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