The Laudato Si’ Cross is a handiwork by the Augustinian Recollect artist Jaazeal Jakosalem, who is also the president of the Augustinian-Recollect International Solidarity Network ARCORES. It was a gift for the Pope’s 88th birthday.
A delegation of the Philippine Chaplaincy in Spain, with around 60 people, participated on December 17 in a meeting with Pope Francis organized by the Philippine Apostolate in Madrid and the Apostolic Nunciature in Spain.
Among the members of this delegation was the Augustinian Recollect Jaazeal Jakosalem (Buraven, Leite, Philippines, 1973) who is also the president of the Augustinian Recollect International Solidarity Network, ARCORES. That day also coincided with Pope Francis‘ 88th birthday (Buenos Aires, Argentina, 17/12/1936).
It was an occasion to give the Pope, on behalf of the Augustinian Recollect Family, the Laudato Si’ Cross, the work of Jakosalem himself, a renowned artist. It is an artistic recreation in the form of a cross of the idea spread by the Pope of an Integral Ecology that protects our Common Home and all living beings that inhabit it.
The Catholic Church defends, promotes and wishes to raise awareness among all men of good will for the care of the Planet and social and climatic justice. Number 83 of Pope Francis‘ encyclical Laudato Si’ says:
“Rather, 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.”
The Laudato Si’ Cross is printed on wood and conveys its message through various symbols:
- Trinity: in its creative unity, represented by the sun (Father), the dove (Holy Spirit) and Jesus.
- The Risen Jesus: the harmony of Jesus with creation (LS 98), the destiny of all Creation linked to the mystery of Christ (LS 99) until its fullness (LS 100).
- Kanlaon Volcano and mountains of Negros Island (Philippines): protected areas, but still threatened. The Kanlaon volcano recently erupted, displacing about 1,500 families from their homes.
- The endangered Philippine rufous-necked hornbill, which symbolizes rich biodiversity and the need to preserve it.
- River and sea waters: all of them nourish all living beings.
- Tree of Life: represents life on Earth and the unity of cultural traditions around safeguarding life.
- Sunflower: reflects the creative power of God that transforms life on Earth.