By Francis Gustilo SDB

Parañaque Philippines, 21 April 2024 -- Don Bosco School of Theology (DBST) obtained the support of the Vatican’s Ecology and Creation Office and the Dicastery for Promoting Integral Human Development in advocating the Laudato Si’ Certified Environmental Trainer Curriculum during the meetings held in Rome last June 6-7, 2023.

In these meetings, Fr. Francis Gustilo, SDB, President of DBST, thoroughly discussed the Laudato Si’ Certified Environmental Trainer Curriculum with Fr. Joshtrom Isaac Kureethadam, Head of the Ecology & Creation Office, as well as with the representatives of the Dicastery for Promoting Integral Human Development. Fr. Gustilo explained that the objectives, structure, and methodology utilized in the curriculum are rooted in Pope Francis’s encyclical, Laudato Si. The program aims to train individuals to become environmental leaders who will promote ecological conversion with the use of theological content, ecological knowledge, and technical skills.

The Dicastery for Promoting Integral Human Development has the task of promoting the human person and the God-given dignity of all, together with human rights, health, justice and peace. It is principally concerned with matters relating to the economy and work, the care of creation and the earth as our “common home,” migration, and humanitarian emergencies.

It examines and spreads the Church’s social doctrine on integral human development and, in the light of the Gospel, recognizes and interprets both the current and future needs and concerns of the human race.

It supports the particular Churches, Episcopal Conferences, their regional and continental groupings, and the hierarchical structures of the Eastern Churches in the area of integral human promotion and recognizes their contribution.

It makes use of experts from Institutes of Consecrated Life and Societies of Apostolic Life and from organizations for development and humanitarian intervention. It cooperates with the representatives of civil society and international organizations, respecting the competencies of the Secretariat of State.

Don Bosco School of Theology is offering two runs of 8 Saturdays in its second year of this educational endeavor next academic year. Email Fr Gustilo if interested at dbstpresident@donbosco.edu.ph

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