Catholic group launches global climate-focused Lenten fast

[rug]

by Brian Roewe | Feb. 17, 2015

Forty days of Lent this year will equate to 40 days of fasting for Catholics in 40-plus countries in a push for greater unity and action around the issue of climate change.

The Global Catholic Climate Movement, which formed in January, officially announced on Monday the Lenten Fast for Climate Justice. The goal is to raise awareness on climate change as well as for Pope Francis’ Lenten call to confront “a globalization of indifference,” and to spur world leaders to work out a binding agreement to stave off a temperature rise above 1.5 degrees Celsius (2.7 degrees Fahrenheit), compared to pre-industrial levels. Climate scientists and politicians have regularly pointed to maintaining an increase of no more than 2 degrees Celsius to avoid the worst effects of climate change.

“The essential message is reduce our carbon footprint and increase our spiritual footprint,” said Jacqui Rémond, director of Catholic Earthcare Australia, which is coordinating the fast there.

The climate justice fast is one of several similar efforts worldwide. The Fast for the Climate is an interfaith campaign that began Dec. 1 -- the start of the United Nations climate negotiations in Lima, Peru -- and will continue through the end of November when the talks resume in Paris. The interfaith group Our Voices and the Anglican church is South Africa are also holding climate-focused Lenten fasts.

http://ncronline.org/blogs/eco-catholic/catholic-group-launches-global-climate-focused-lenten-fast

http://catholicclimatemovement.global/

[meow2u3]

1. I'd join the fast, but I'm diabetic

I can't fast without risking my health.

What are some other ways to make sacrifices?

[rug]

2. Diabetes will excuse you.

Besides, Lent is much more than fasting.

In his "Apostolic Constitution on Penance," Pope Paul VI did more than simply reorganize Church law concerning fast and abstinence. He reminded us of the divine law that each of us in our own way do penance. We must all turn from sin and make reparation to God for our sins. We must forgive and show love for one another just as we ask for God's love and forgiveness.

The Code of Canon Law and our bishops remind us of other works and means of doing penance: prayer, acts of self-denial, almsgiving and works of personal charity. Attending Mass daily or several times a week, praying the rosary, making the way of the cross, attending the parish evening prayer service, teaching the illiterate to read, reading to the blind, helping at a soup kitchen, visiting the sick and shut-ins and giving an overworked mother a break by baby-sitting—all of these can be even more meaningful and demanding than simply abstaining from meat on Friday.

[meow2u3]

3. I'm 100% sure I have to abstain from meat

Diabetes does not excuse me from abstinence.

[rug]

4. Thank goodness it's only Fridays and tomorrow.

[meow2u3]

5. And only Fridays during Lent

Otherwise, I'd have to stock my freezer with fish and my house would smell like a fish market.

[rug]

6. I'd just eat vegetables. Everyone in my house likes fish except me.