Submitted by Lucia, FCJ Companion in Mission from the London and Southeast England group
More than fifty FCJ Sisters and Companions in Mission from around the world came together on Saturday 24 January 2026, online and in-person, for a time of prayer, input, and discussion on the theme Adopting Sustainable Lifestyles (Goal 4 of the Laudato Si’ Action Platform). The webinar was organised by the Care for Our Common Home group in the FCJ Area of Europe.
The webinar was led by Sr MaryAnne fcJ (UK) with a thought-provoking slideshow, including quotes and reflections from Maria Cimperman rscj, Elaine Prevallet sl, Pope Francis in Laudato Si’, and the recently produced 2025 FCJ General Chapter Document Give Me a Drink… John 4.
The webinar reminded us that as we try to understand and pursue the goal of more sustainable lifestyles, each of us – whether FCJs or CIMs – can draw upon the great legacy of the FCJ Foundress, Marie Madeleine d’Houët: that is, Marie Madeleine’s discernment that we embrace Poverty as our constant spiritual companion. As we want and need less, so we experience greater freedoms, joy, and gratitude; as we reduce and relinquish more, so we share and redistribute more fairly; as we become less self-reliant and more inter-dependent, so we reduce social isolation and strengthen relationships.
Our companion Poverty walks beside us, leading us towards consciousness of the great wealth of God’s creation, and reverence for such an awesome gift. Motivated by the spirit, we are spurred on to adopt and disseminate attitudes and behaviours that honour this gift.
Sr Marguerite fcJ reminded us of the 7 Rs: Refuse (e.g. to buy single-use plastics); Reduce (e.g. consumption); Reuse, Repair and Repurpose existing items; and most importantly; Rethink, i.e. become conscious of the choices we make.
Other “Rs” might be added; indeed, the discussions highlighted how sustainable living depends on investing in Relationships and fostering Reciprocity. In other words, consciously pursuing our common needs together with those in our common home. Many thanks to the “Care for Our Common Home” group for this inspiring time of sharing, and for the opportunity for Companions in Mission to join with FCJ Sisters.
