Ecology, Liturgy, and the Sacraments

This book is based on the principle that the liturgy is the enactment of "the work of our redemption" through the raising up, acknowledging and revering elements of the cosmos, the earth, and our "fellow creatures" in our common home. It is inspired by Pope Francis's encyclical Laudato Si' (On Care for Our Common Home).

The author argues that concern for the environment is a traditional Catholic premise based on the goodness of creation and that God is creator of "heaven and earth." He also argues that an ecological approach to sacramental theology can help to understand underlying factors and principles in the enactment of the liturgy of the sacraments about how and where God is discovered in the world in general and in the liturgy and sacraments in an intense and focused way through engagement with all who dwell in our common home.

Concern for the environment is a traditional Catholic premise based on the goodness of creation and that God is creator of "heaven and earth." An ecological approach to sacramental theology can help us understand underlying factors and principles in the enactment of the liturgy of the sacraments about how and where God is discovered in the world in general and particularly in the liturgy and sacraments in an intense and focused way through engagement with all who dwell in our common home.

Monsignor Kevin W. Irwin is a priest of the Archdiocese of New York and former dean of the School of Theology and Religious Studies at The Catholic University of America, where he is now a research professor. Msgr. Irwin earned his doctorate in sacramental theology from the Ateneo of San Anselmo in Rome. He is the author of numerous books and articles on liturgy and sacraments.
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