One of the outcomes of the publication of Laudato Si’ is an awakening of global awareness.

Certain realities connected to our human and spiritual selves have come more into focus as our understanding of evolution grows. There is an appreciation of global oneness which results from accepting the interconnectedness of all life. This is leading to spiritual awakening. There is a growing vocabulary around mindfulness, contemplation, yoga, centering and such. People will tell you that they are not religious but that they are spiritual. Religious belief is linked with authoritarianism, and places a high value on authority and on doing. Spirituality places more emphasis on values and how people are treated. This emphasis on values underpins all the great religions.

The dispute between science and religion over the centuries has finally been bridged by Pope Francis and the publication of Laudato si’. There is a spiritual awakening happening organically which transcends culture and religion as climate movements; protection of environment, biodiversity and global warming are now accepted as natural results of human behavior the impact of which is no longer confined to one isolated area of our world. Celebrating our mystical roots heals the split between science and religion.

Spirituality grows on stories shared rather than on dogmas imposed and which may divide.  We need to move from religious ideologies to deeper spiritual consciousness and practice. Celebrating our mystical roots will heal the rift between science and religion. There is an external and an internal way of knowing. Some of this is captured by John O’Donoghue in his writings which celebrate the mystical element in our Celtic spirituality.

The caring and concern that have abounded in Irish society in recent times are good examples of spiritual values in practice even when religious practice is so confined. This period of limited access to church buildings and formal church services is supporting the mystical search from within, seeking to satisfy the need for spiritual support.

Angela Hartigan rsm