Rome, 13 May 2020 -- Pope Francis has declared the coming week (16-24 May) as 'LAUDATO SI WEEK' (Video on YouTube) and by coincidence it overlaps with the annual Novena to the Feast of Mary Help of Christians (16-25 May). During this week we are invited to raise awareness about our Planet as our common home and contribute some personal action.
Don Bosco Green Alliance with 270 members in 56 countries is inviting everyone to respond to this initiative of the Holy Father's. Among the EAO provinces registered as DB Green Alliance members are some 30 institutions from Australia, Cambodia, China-Hong Kong, China-Macau, Fiji,Mongolia, Philippines and Vietnam. Any Don Bosco - Salesian institution can join this movement
The FABC (Federation of Asian Bishops Conferences) has also prepared a simple animation booklet for this occasion. For each day of the week it suggests a brief reflection (environment awareness) and one simple action: Examination of conscience, Watching and reflection on YouTube video, Praying the Rosary, Session on Carbon footprint, Laudato Si' Pledge and personal commitment. For 24 May (Sunday) a Worldwide Day of Prayer is scheduled.
Answering Pope Francis' urgent call in Laudato Si':
I pledge to pray for and with creation
I pledge to live more simply
I pledge to advocate to protect our common home.
Concrete suggestion for action: I also pledge that
I will avoid wasting food and water
I will consume responsibly by only buying what I need
I will properly dispose of the waste I generate
I will inspire others to join me in protecting our planet.
This initiative can be seen in the large perspective of 50th anniversary of the 'Earth Day' (1970-2020), remembered by the United Nations last April 22nd. All those who are in touch with the Don Bosco Green Alliance or other Climate Change movements would be familiar with different calls for action, video animation aids to raise awareness and foster actions for our common home, for people and their planet.
