Download letter (pdf) English , Spanish, Vietnamese
Dear Brothers and Sisters in Christ,
Our human family continues to face an increased socio-ecological crisis, with high risks of disease, hunger, migration, and conflicts due to environmental degradation and climate change. Three years ago (Oct. 4, 2019), as a Diocese, we invited our Catholic Communities and people of goodwill to reflect on and engage in Pope Francis’ call for “Ecological Education” and “Ecological Conversion” by taking practical steps to raise awareness and live more responsibly. A year ago, the Holy Father launched an extraordinary worldwide effort to foster collaboration between the Vatican and an international coalition of Catholic organizations. The effort, called the Laudato Si’ Action Platform is aimed at mobilizing Catholics and “all men and women of goodwill” (LS 3), to take “decisive action, here and now” as we journey towards a better future together. (LS 161).
As part of our continuous Diocesan steps towards this goal, I – with the guidance and assistance of the Stewards of Our Common Earth Committee under the Office of Life, Justice, and Peace – have enrolled in the Laudato Si’ Action Platform. Our Diocesan Action plan will focus on education, conversion, and advocacy. The Laudato Si’ Action Platform invites us to review and create our own personal goals based on its seven goals: Care for the Earth, Care for the Poor, Ecological Economics, Sustainable Lifestyles, Ecological Education, Ecological Spirituality, Partnerships, and Community Engagement. It also provides practical tools and measurable parameters that help us take action and evaluate where we stand on the road towards addressing the socio-ecological crisis.
As we mark the first anniversary of the launching of the Laudato Si’ Action Platform on this 33rd Sunday in Ordinary Time, I make an appeal that every parish, school, parishioner, and person of goodwill enroll in the Laudato Si’ Action Platform, as we join efforts with the universal Church to achieve total sustainability in the holistic spirit of integral ecology.
Check online for more information on activities about Laudato Si’ – Care for Common Home – within the Diocese.
If you have questions, please get in touch with Stewards of Our Common Earth Committee through the Office of Life, Justice and Peace by emailing: angelbert.chikere@dsj.org.
In Christ,
Bishop Oscar Cantú