Pope Francis received the ‘Laudato Si’ Cross’ as a gift from ARCORES, the solidarity network of the Order of Augustinian Recollects. The cross is a meaningful interpretation of the ecological advocacy of Pope Francis that inspired millions from different denominational identities to protect nature and people.
The ‘Laudato Si’ Cross’ is significantly summarized by Pope Francis in his encyclical Laudato Si’: “all creatures are moving forward with us and through us towards a common point of arrival, which is God, in that transcendent fullness where the risen Christ embraces and illumines all things.
Human beings, endowed with intelligence and love, and drawn by the fullness of Christ, are called to lead all creatures back to their Creator.” (Laudato Si’, 83).
The president of ARCORES, Tagoy Jakosalem, personally presented the cross to Pope Francis during the official audience of the Filipino chaplains serving in Spain, organized by the Tahanan Filipino Apostolate in Madrid and the Nunciature of Spain; it was attended by around 60 delegates, mostly Filipinos.
Pope Francis in his message reiterated the important contributions of the Filipino migrants’ faith to the church, as well as pointing the realities of migration driven by the realities of the economic situation in the home country. he says “On the other hand, he had to leave his homeland due to injustice, in his case a defamation, like many people who still today are forced to emigrate to save their lives or seek a better future.
Finally, upon arriving in the land that should have welcomed him, God asked him to witness to his faith with the greatest proof of love, to give his life.”
The Laudato Si Cross
The ‘Laudato Si’ Cross’ is printed on wood, it brings the meaningful message of Pope Francis’ advocacy ato care for the environment. The significance of the cross highlights the following symbols:
- Creative Oneness of the Trinity: Represented by the sun (Father), the dove (Holy Spirit), and Jesus.
- Resurrected Jesus: Jesus’ harmony with creation (LS 98), the destiny of all creation is bound up with the mystery of Christ (LS 99) into its fulness (LS 100).
- Kanlaon and negros island Mountains: among the protected areas in the Philippines and yet continue to be threatened by destruction. Recently, the Kanlaon volcano erupted, with has displaced around 1500 families.
- Endangered Philippine Rufous Hornbill (kalaw): Symbolizes the rich biodiversity of the Philippines and the need for its preservation.
- Waters of Rivers and Seas: all these nurture our people and nature.
- Tree of Life: Represents life on Earth and the unity of cultural traditions regarding life.
- Sunflower: Reflects God’s creative power that transforms life on Earth.
