Franciscan Sister of Christian Charity Sister Mary Ann Spanjers shares San Miguel High School reflections on Pope Francis’ Laudato Si. This is part of the students on-line homework for their Catholic Social Teaching class. Covid-19 precautions created some nuances on this text.

The phrase that I chose was, ¨who brings the day; and you give light through him.¨
This phrase was chosen because in light of the issue that is currently happening in the world
we are all facing struggles yet we need to remember that as long as the sun still shines their will
be a better tomorrow. (Cindy)

The phrase I choose is “ Brother and Sisters”. A major event that is going on is the Coronavirus. |
We are all brothers and sisters in society but have to face social distancing. In this time
some have a sense of hate towards the Chinese people and tend to be distant from them. But
from within we have a sense of connection of how we are all brothers and sisters in
society.(Jose)

I think that this is really important because we as human beings should always protect the
earth and the resources it has, especially now with the high amount of pollution we have on
the planet, and even with the COVID-19 pandemic as people simply buy things out of fear rather
than necessity. ( Sebastian)

The Canticle and example I chose are about relationships because these illnesses can be stopped just with having the right relationship. I believe it takes a simple “are you okay” from a friend to stop those negative thoughts and maybe be a little light given by someone. Not only that but a relationship with God helps through tough times in darkness, God will be that light in having that relationship with Him. (Diego)

A meaningful line I chose was “Be praised, my Lord, through all your creatures, especially
through my lord Brother Sun, who brings the day; and you give light through him.” I find
this meaningful, especially now, because of the self isolation that has been going on for a while. I
am thankful for the sun in the sky because I would feel extremely lonely and sad without any
light outside and even though I am not able to be with my friends, I can be outside and see the
beauty of nature. (Melanie)

One of the lines that is most meaningful is “Blessed are those who endure in peace” because in this time period of social distancing, I’ve been able to reflect on past experiences and cleanse myself of all the pain, confusion, and overall noise that goes on in my everyday life. I’ve acquired peace and thus, manifested that into strength in every category of my being. I’ve
become awake and enlightened. (Ryan)

Coronavirus is a terrible tragedy and it’s affecting many lives in negative ways. But in a way it
is helping the earth. If you look at the Canals of Venice it’s thriving with life right now. The
fish have returned and it’s been populated with swans and it’s very beautiful. Sometimes we
forget that nature was here before us and we must respect it always. (Valeria)

“Praised be You, my Lord, through our Sister Bodily Death, from whom no living person can
escape.”
This quote stood out to me because it shows that only God knows when it’s our time to
die and when it is we can not escape. This can relate to coronavirus which is a really big issue at
the moment. This could mean that even if you do get the virus it might not be your time to meet
with God and so you will survive for Him. (Christopher)

The phrase I chose is “Be praised, my Lord, through all your creatures”
This connects with the current headline that Venice Canals have cleared up. Today every
headline is focused on the negative of our world and because of that I chose to relate my phrase
with something positive that has occurred since the break out of the Coronavirus. My phrase is
saying that we must praise our Lord through every creation and creature and because of the clear
water appearing in the Venice canals we are able to see the beauty the sea life has to offer. By
continuing to keep our water clean we are praising our Lord. (Triana)

“Praise be you” and the coronavirus issues we are all dealing with today; During this
hardship people are turning towards God for help and hope for this pandemic to be
resolved. Thus strengthening our human relationship with God. (Araselley)

The line that’s meaningful to me at this time is “my lord Brother Sun, who brings the day; and
you give light through him.” This is because it feels like everyone is trying to find and
feel that light through this time of fear with the pandemic. (Victoria F.)

The phrase that I found meaningful at the moment is “Praise be you, my Lord, through Brother
Wind, and through the air, cloudy and serene, and every kind of weather through which
You give substance to Your creatures. I found this phrase meaningful because with all the chaos
going on in our world right now it’s nice to step back and just breathe the air God gave us and
enjoy the weather to be at peace. (Lili )

The Canticle and the example I chose are about relationships, because the Canticle explains
how it is our responsibility to care for nature and God’s creations. When we do this we are
in right relationship with those around us and God. The example I chose also represents this,
because my mom’s work is also taking care of God’s creation by helping the mentally disabled
and making sure that they have enough to eat and enough supplies to keep them healthy and
clean. ( Meleny)

“Praise and bless my Lord, and give him thanks and serve him with great humility”.
The current issue of the Corona Virus is about the phrase that I chose because nurses,
doctors and others are helping to shelter those affected by the virus. This is serving God with
humility because God is in each and every one of us. (Cassandra)