For Our Common Home

Our goal is not to amass information or to satisfy curiosity, but rather to become painfully aware, to dare to turn what is happening to the world into our own personal suffering and thus to discover what each of us can do about it. (Pope Francis, 2015)

FOR OUR COMMON HOME – RESOUNDING ECOJUSTICE lifts up humanity’s urgent need to heal our relationship with Earth and each other. This oratorio was commissioned by world renown theologian Dr. Harvey Cox and is based on Laudato Si’ — an encyclical issued by Pope Francis. Laudato Si’ calls on humanity to acknowledge the urgency of the environmental crisis and work toward building a just and sustainable world. Inspired by a canticle of St. Francis of Assisi, the message focuses on environmental justice, addressing the impact of the climate crisis on the most vulnerable communities.

This cross-genre oratorio for chorus, soloists, and chamber orchestra draws from sacred choral music, contemporary classical, jazz, gospel, and klezmer traditions. Contemplative instrumental interludes in between vocal movements lead the listener from one movement to the next guiding shifts in mood or harmony and inviting a moment to reflect on the text which has just been sung.

The music engages the performers with the audience in a shared communal experience. The composer creates this environment by including soloists influenced by a wide range of traditions from around the world. The piece’s inclusivity is, in itself, a metaphor for “Our Common Home” and how we all need to participate in care.

References to Earth crying out calls attention not only to the devastation wrought by climate change but also endangered species of animals, racism, violence against women, systems of oppression, and climate refugees on perilous journeys. It is no accident that the piece’s genesis during COVID-19 corresponds to a time when people came together to demand that “injustice be defeated in the land” with protests accelerating around the world with the Black Lives Matter movement. This piece is an effective musical parallel with poetic text portraying God as a “God of liberation” and inviting us (as does St. Francis) to see nature as a magnificent book and, above all, asking humanity to “harmonize with creation.” The oratorio weaves songs of celebration along with reflection on the planetary crisis, calling for participation in movements for social and environmental transformation. The composer interprets the text as a call to action.

Pope Francis wrote to the composer:

“I very much appreciated your work. Thank you for your sensibility and commitment. The world constantly needs to be made aware of the importance of the care for our common home. Please continue with zeal, joy, and creativity.” (Pope Francis)

Origin & Inspiration

In March of 2020, theologian Harvey Cox commissioned me to compose an oratorio based on Laudato Si’. The text addresses the impact of the environmental crisis on the most vulnerable communities and speaks out against systems of oppression, reminding us that we are all siblings.

Laudato Si’ challenged me to write music that could invite conversations addressing injustice and what it means to rebuild our common home. Guided by the text, the music reflected what was happening in the world. I began writing at the beginning of the COVID-19 lockdown. That summer there were uprisings in the streets in response to the murder of George Floyd. This was for many, the first time to gather since the beginning of the pandemic, coming together to demand an end to violence. I spent winter on the New England coast reflecting on environmental justice, the plight of climate refugees, and questions of responsibility. Tuning in to the Earth while listening to the waves and wind, I reflected on the text: “May our struggles and concern for our planet never take away the joy of our hope. Let us sing as we go.”

– Linda Chase

*A piano and choir version of the score is also available.