On Monday and Tuesday, July 3 and 4 respectively, we spent time with the Encyclical Letter of the Holy Father Francis, “Laudato Sί”, subtitled “On the care for our common Home”. Fr. Gerard M. Nnamunga CSSP led us through this very rich document, focusing on the reality of “Ecocide”, which is so evident in our present age principally due to a persistent “anthropocentrism”. This is in conflict with our faith that sees the whole creation as God made, good, and interconnected. The contributions from group work attested to the serious state of our world with regard to environment. Environmental degradation is a visible reality out there, symptoms are visible in our day-to- day life. Only very concerted efforts for a new understanding and new ways of acting can bring about change.
On the second day, the need for conversion to an integrated ecology (Laudato Sί 137 – 162) was highlighted. This ecological integration needs to become institutionalized , encompassing the whole of creation. Human beings have to undergo a change of heart, by looking at and treating the whole creation as a precious gift, being ready to care for it with tenderness even in view of eternity. After all, in line with Rom 8, 18 – 25 we believe that Christ’s redemption includes the whole of creation, not only here on earth but also in the eternal abodes. This led us to a fruitful discussion, which will hopefully continue and express itself in a new eco-friendly behavior as we keep soaring in harmony with all creation.
Albert Fuchs svd