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The entire material universe speaks of God's love, his boundless affection for us. Soil, water, mountains: everything is, as it were, a caress of God."
- Pope Francis, Laudato Si
Faith, Food, Farming & the Environment
Conference affirms the vocation of agriculture
An international gathering of farm and faith leaders in Milan on June 27-28 concluded with an affirmation of the "vocation of agriculture" and the great responsibility of agricultural leaders for serving the common good.
An influential leader of the Catholic Church also reiterated his support for this endeavor that seeks to more profoundly weave together faith, farming and the environment.
Cardinal Peter Turkson, president of the pontifical Council for Justice and Peace at the Vatican, expressed his support and hope for the forthcoming document, The Vocation of the Agricultural Leader, due out later this year.
"This publication aims to affirm the dignity of the farmer and agricultural leader, and will encourage their commitments to the common good, including care of the earth," he said.
"I think our governments will remain virtuous for many centuries; as long as they are chiefly agricultural."
So said Thomas Jefferson. In many of his writings, he stated his belief that communities made up of small farmers were an ideal model for civic virtue.
We're far afield from Jefferson's vision today, but his wisdom is still true in many ways. At Catholic Rural Life, we see the virtue and the piety instilled in those who grow up living and working on a farm.
Farming might not be a vocation for everyone, but on this Independence Day, let's take a moment to think about the importance of farmers, the historical backbone of America. We also wish everyone a safe and happy Fourth of July!
CATHOLIC RURAL LIFE
Applying the teachings of Jesus Christ
for the betterment of rural America
We're the only national Catholic non-profit dedicated to addressing and overcoming the challenges facing rural America, be they social, economical, or spiritual.Please consider supporting our work by becoming a member or donating today.
