Ngonidzashe Edward SJ
We need to do more climate storytelling, demand more climate justice, speak more truth to power, be more prophetic and more organized, more intentional and more strategic in our climate action.
The Jesuit Centre for Ecology and Development (JCED) in Lilongwe, Malawi, organized a series of activities in the Laudato Si’ month of May that culminated with Laudato Si’ Day and Eco-Hope Celebrations on 27 May, in partnership with Laudato Si’ Movement, CADECOM/Caritas, and Trocaire Malawi.
To celebrate the 8th anniversary of Laudato Si’, JCED held a film screening event of The Letter at the Loyola Jesuit Secondary School and Lilongwe University of Agriculture and Natural Resources where around 450 students joined. A Laudato Si’ Green Mass at Chimbalu Eco-Village in Kasungu was also celebrated. as well as Laudato Si’ EcoHope Conversations (from EcoAnxiety/Grief to EcoHope), an Africa Day on culture and eco-restoration, and a Laudato Si’ Tasintha EcoHope Show.
I shared a message of hope towards the earth and humanity during the online workshop on assessing the key outcomes of COP 27 and priorities for COP 28 organized by the Southern African Faith Communities’ Environment Institute (SAFCEI), and asked participants to reflect on three questions:
1. What have we done for creation, others, and ultimately, God?
2. What are we doing for creation, others, and ultimately, God?
3. What more can we do for creation, others, and ultimately, God?
From 21 to 28 May, people around the world came together to celebrate Laudato Si’ Week 2023, a commemoration dedicated to reflecting and acting upon the message of Pope Francis’ encyclical on the environment, Laudato Si’. This year marks the 8th anniversary of Pope Francis’ landmark encyclical, Laudato Si’: On Care for Creation. The Laudato Si’ Week celebration unites Catholics to rejoice in the progress made in bringing Laudato Si’ to life under the theme Hope for the Earth. Hope for humanity. Many actions are taken during Laudato Si’ Week to directly and significantly affect the world around us and the Laudato Si’ Week 2023 Resources is a useful guide.
Ngonidzashe Edward SJ is the JCED Executive Director and for more information about JCED activities, please visit JCED’s social media platforms in Facebook, Twitter, and YouTube or email JCED at jcedcommunications@mail.com.
