"Makes an important and, I would go so far as to say, essential contribution to the field of theology and ecology. As the introduction notes, there is a tendency for Catholics, especially American Catholics, to pick and choose which aspects of Catholic Social Teaching they will embrace, and that the principle of selection is almost always their political affiliation, rather than their Catholic commitment. By providing a robustly Catholic articulation of ecological engagement, and particularly one grounded in the Eucharist, Briola allows for a reassertion of the seamless garment of church teaching, and, one hopes, a means of crossing the partisan impasse."
~Eugene R. Schlesinger, Santa Clara University
"This wonderful book puts the pieces of a Christian's life together, connecting the liturgy and praise of God to the way we encounter our material world and each other. Briola fruitfully joins Catholic Social Teaching with liturgical theology to promote an integrated and joyful practice of everyday life. Simultaneously scholarly and pastoral, Briola's analysis challenges both progressive and conservative churchgoers to let our Christian identity form our politics, and not vice-versa."
~William T. Cavanaugh, DePaul University
"In The Eucharistic Vision of Laudato Si' Lucas Briola proves himself to be a fitting successor to Virgil Michel and Bernard Longeran alike. He masterfully reads ecclesial documents, liturgical-sacramental theologians, and Lonergan's account of history and values. Michel's premature death meant that a full integration between social theory and liturgy had not yet been accomplished. Briola, in one of the best books I have read on the thought of Pope Francis, not only upholds the theological, sacramental, and prophetic vision of Laudato Si', he provides a new way of doing social ethics grounded in a sacramental cosmos."
~Tim O'Malley, University of Notre Dame
"Aware of the need for the Church to think about and act cohesively to address threats to the life-supporting capacity of Earth that most adversely affect poor and vulnerable people, Lucas Briola presents a compelling systematic analysis of magisterial teachings that bifurcate human and natural ecologies, helpful aspects of Bernard Lonergan’s theology of history and mission of the Church, impressive advancements of Lonergan’s thinking by Robert Doran about the integrated scale of values and the Church’s role in mediating societal redemption, and Pope Francis’s ‘integral ecology’ teachings that recognize humans as constituents of a common home shared with other species and abiota who together praise God according to their natures. Briola’s perceptive exploration of ‘eucharistic praise’ in Laudato Si’ as the framework within which the Church can lead "from above" to address a plethora of interrelated social-ecological challenges is indeed praiseworthy."
~Jame Schaefer, Marquette University
"A compelling and unique examination of Pope Francis’s encyclical Laudato Si’, offering an original eucharistic and doxological lens to understand the integral ecology proposed by the Pope. Highly recommended for theologians, clergy, and lay leaders seeking to deepen their understanding of Laudato Si’ and its implications for the church’s mission in today’s world. By grounding ecological care in eucharistic worship, Briola provides a compelling vision that not only addresses the ecological crisis but also enriches the spiritual and communal life of the Church."
~Irish Theological Quarterly
