In recognition of this Laudato Si’ Week (17 – 24 May, 2026) and its theme From Hope to Action,
the Josephite Laudato Si’ Action Plan Team presents its final Conversation Package in the five-
part URGENT HOPE series.
Titled Voices in a Suffering World, this community and educational resource has been developed
by the Sisters of Saint Joseph of the Sacred Heart in collaboration with the Sisters of St Joseph
Lochinvar to spark discussion, inform and inspire people of hope.
Voices in a Suffering World focuses on the crucial imperative to use our voices for positive and
lasting change. The crisis in 2026 is different from what it was in 2015 when Laudato Si’ was
launched. The clear direction from Pope Francis’ lament is the call to engage urgently with political
advocacy.
The lead authors, Sister Jan Barnett rsj (Josephite Justice Co-Ordinator) and Sister Mary Ellen
O’Donoghue rsj (Congregational Leadership Team), believe it is this call to political advocacy that is
at the heart of Conversation Package Five.
“Throughout Laudate Deum, Pope Francis underscored the need for every one of us to respond to
the global and social crisis with unrelenting action,” say Sr Jan. “The exhortation was a clear
assertion that acknowledgement of the science and subsequent personal activity will not be
sufficient to deal with the accelerating challenges now confronting the planet.
“This urgent need demands more than individual and communal achievements. Without systemic
change on the part of governments and world powers, the actions of individuals and communities
will fail to achieve the necessary transformation essential to heal earth and all of creation.
Advocacy and political action are critical.”
Read and share Voices in a Suffering World to facilitate conversations, reflect on the climate crisis
and encourage positive action and advocacy. Use the questions and Pope Francis’ quotes
from Laudate Deum to spark discussion, share countering views and form ways to move forward.
You are also welcome to visit the Sisters of Saint Joseph website for more Laudato Si’ updates, tips
and inspiration.
Websites https://www.sosj.org.au/responding-to-need/laudato-si/and www.ssjl.org.au
Feel free to share Voices in a Suffering World with students, friends and family.