Introduction and Welcome: Maria Virginia Solis Wahnish, from Cordova, Argentina, warmly welcomes participants to celebrate the first year of the Laudato Si' Action Platform (LSAP). As co-founder of the Farm of Francesco and co-CEO, she represents the Economy of Francesco and serves on the LAUDATIO SI ACTION PLATFORM (LSAP) steering board. The event, livestreamed globally, connects participants in multiple languages, including Spanish, Italian, Portuguese, and French. The audience is encouraged to share their locations to highlight the global nature of the event. Maria emphasizes the significance of this gathering as an opportunity to unite in prayer, learn about theological perspectives, and reflect on LSAP’s achievements. 'We want to feel how global and wide this event is today,' she says, underscoring the platform's international reach. The event aims to culminate in a collective social media celebration, spreading joy and hope. Participants are invited to engage fully by sharing their prayers in the chat box. The opening segment sets the tone for a reflective and communal experience, fostering a sense of unity among global participants. 'Thank you so much for this wonderful time to be together,' Maria concludes, expressing gratitude for the collective journey.
2. Opening Prayer: Sister Sheila Kinsey leads the opening prayer, invoking God's presence and guidance as participants embark on the celebration. The prayer highlights the beauty of creation, with specific references to flowers, forests, seas, and stars, as symbols of God’s love and glory. Sister Sheila prays for forgiveness for humanity’s abuses of creation, acknowledging the times when 'we have sown destruction, hatred, and violence.' The prayer calls for wisdom to recognize humanity’s interconnectedness and interdependence with all creatures, especially the vulnerable. 'Make us keepers of the seamless web of life,' Sister Sheila pleads, urging a commitment to ecological stewardship. The prayer also emphasizes solidarity, asking for strength to care for the 'imperiled planetary home.' As the prayer concludes, Sister Sheila calls upon the Holy Spirit to inspire and sustain the participants' actions. The prayer sets a contemplative mood, focusing on the spiritual dimensions of environmental care. 'Inflame us with renewed zeal,' she prays, encouraging participants to embrace their roles as caretakers of creation.
3. Overview of the Laudato Si' Action Platform: John Mundell, Director of LSAP, provides an overview of the platform's first year, celebrating the global community’s efforts toward sustainable lifestyles. He begins with a reminder of the world's ongoing environmental challenges, including flash floods, hurricanes, heatwaves, and wildfires. 'We believe in the importance of our mission,' John states, emphasizing the critical nature of the LSAP's work. He highlights the diverse actions taken by LAUDATIO SI ACTION PLATFORM (LSAP) participants, from school projects to business initiatives, all aimed at protecting the environment. For example, young adults worldwide have organized creative campaigns to raise awareness about climate change. 'We've brought our passion, our experience, and know-how to meet the world's greatest needs,' he reflects. John underscores the importance of local actions, noting that many small efforts can create significant global impact when combined. He describes LAUDATIO SI ACTION PLATFORM (LSAP) as both a tool and a growing community, fostering collaboration among Catholics globally. 'This unity is pretty amazing,' John observes, pointing to the platform's potential to create transformative change. The presentation inspires participants to continue their efforts, knowing they are part of a larger, impactful movement.
4. Reflection on Global Community and Impact: John Mundell reflects on the power of global collaboration within the LAUDATIO SI ACTION PLATFORM (LSAP) community, likening individual actions to ripples that can create larger waves of change. He explains that while local efforts are valuable, their impact is amplified when coordinated on a global scale. 'When we start coordinating our global efforts together, amazing things can happen,' he says, highlighting the platform's role in uniting diverse initiatives. John shares that the LAUDATIO SI ACTION PLATFORM (LSAP) community includes passionate Catholics from around the world, many of whom have been involved in environmental advocacy for years. He notes that LAUDATIO SI ACTION PLATFORM (LSAP) helps participants overcome feelings of isolation by connecting them with like-minded individuals. 'Sometimes we feel alone, but hearing the vision of others keeps us going,' John remarks, emphasizing the importance of community. The platform also acts as a source of encouragement and inspiration, helping participants to stay motivated in their ecological efforts. 'These little ripples begin to intersect and can turn into big waves,' John explains, illustrating the potential for collective action. He concludes by encouraging participants to continue building connections, reinforcing the idea that together, they can achieve greater impact. 'This is how we can truly begin to transform our world,' John asserts, inspiring participants to keep pushing forward.
5. Theological Reflections on LSAP:
Father Joshtrom Kureethadam provides theological reflections on LSAP, structured around five key concepts: concern, contemplation, compassion, circular movement, and critical mass. He begins by discussing the urgent concern for the state of the planet, likening it to Jesus' anger in John 2:17 when he cleared the temple. 'We are destroying our common home,' Father Joshtrom warns, urging participants to channel their concern into meaningful action. He then discusses the importance of contemplation, encouraging participants to see creation as sacred and to recover a sense of reverence for the natural world. 'Take off your sandals, for the place where you are standing is holy ground,' he quotes from Exodus, emphasizing the need for spiritual reflection. Compassion is the third key point, focusing on responding to the cries of the poor, children, and all of creation. 'I have indeed seen the misery of my people in Egypt,' he quotes from Exodus again, drawing a parallel to the suffering caused by environmental degradation. Father Joshtrom introduces the concept of circular movement, where actions begin at the peripheries and create a ripple effect toward the center. 'Blessed are the meek, for they shall inherit the earth,' he cites from Matthew 5:5, advocating for a bottom-up approach to change. Finally, he discusses the need to build a critical mass of participants, aiming for a global movement that can effect systemic change. 'We need to create the critical mass necessary for radical societal transformation,' he concludes, calling for a collective effort to multiply the platform's impact.
6. Testimonies from Various Regions and Sectors: The celebration features testimonies from different regions and sectors, showcasing how diverse communities are implementing LAUDATIO SI ACTION PLATFORM (LSAP) initiatives. Bishop Shane McKinley from Australia shares how the Australian Bishops have integrated LAUDATIO SI ACTION PLATFORM (LSAP) into their social justice statement, 'Cry of the Earth, Cry of the Poor.' He highlights efforts to involve parishes, schools, and other Catholic organizations in the LAUDATIO SI ACTION PLATFORM (LSAP) goals. Sister Ronita Galve Borja of the Daughters of Mary Help of Christians discusses the global impact of her congregation, with projects ranging from ecological reserves in Angola to bee-keeping training in India. 'The LAUDATIO SI ACTION PLATFORM (LSAP) has stimulated us in our charismatic choice,' she reflects, noting how the platform aligns with their mission of educating and empowering young people. Barbara Coupar from the Scottish Catholic Education Service describes the Laudato Si’ Schools initiative, where over 200 schools have committed to LAUDATIO SI ACTION PLATFORM (LSAP) goals through prayer, learning, and action. 'Our young people are leading the way in ecological education,' she observes, emphasizing the importance of involving youth in environmental stewardship. Each testimony illustrates how LAUDATIO SI ACTION PLATFORM (LSAP) is being adapted to local contexts, with participants finding creative ways to contribute to the global movement. The testimonies highlight the platform’s flexibility, allowing for a wide range of actions tailored to specific needs and capacities. 'These stories are a source of inspiration and hope,' the speakers agree, underscoring the collective strength of the LAUDATIO SI ACTION PLATFORM (LSAP) community.
7. Bishop Shane McKinley’s Testimony: Bishop Shane McKinley shares Australia’s response to Laudato Si’, focusing on the integration of ecological concerns into the Australian Bishops' social justice statement and the Plenary Council. He explains that the statement, 'Cry of the Earth, Cry of the Poor,' reflects on the voices of those most affected by environmental degradation, including Indigenous peoples and low-income communities. 'We begin by listening to the voices of those who are most affected,' he emphasizes, noting that this approach is central to the Australian Church’s ecological mission. The Plenary Council, which concluded in July, committed all Catholic organizations in Australia to participate in the LAUDATIO SI ACTION PLATFORM (LSAP) and develop action plans. Bishop McKinley highlights how schools, parishes, and healthcare entities in his diocese are already taking concrete steps to implement these plans. 'There is already much action that has taken place, and more actions are being systematically committed to,' he reports, sharing examples of local initiatives. The bishop also mentions that the LAUDATIO SI ACTION PLATFORM (LSAP) provides valuable resources and support for these efforts, helping organizations to align their actions with the platform's goals. 'We are looking forward with enthusiasm to the many places that will begin to implement their action plans,' he says, expressing optimism for the future. His testimony underscores the importance of structured, community-wide commitments to environmental stewardship. 'This is not just a document; it is a call to action,' Bishop McKinley asserts, encouraging others to follow Australia's example.
8. Sister Ronita Galve Borja’s Testimony: Sister Ronita Galve Borja shares the Salesian Sisters' journey on the road to integral ecology, emphasizing their commitment to LAUDATIO SI ACTION PLATFORM (LSAP) across 98 countries. The congregation, founded by Saint John Bosco and Saint Mary Dominica Mazzarello, focuses on the education of young people, particularly women and the vulnerable. 'We have one passion: the integral education of young people,' she states, highlighting the alignment of this mission with LAUDATIO SI ACTION PLATFORM (LSAP) goals. Sister Ronita describes how the congregation has implemented over 40 action plans, with projects ranging from agricultural initiatives in South Sudan to ecological reserves in Angola. 'The LAUDATIO SI ACTION PLATFORM (LSAP) has been a catalyst for our charismatic choice,' she reflects, noting how the platform has inspired new ecological initiatives. She shares specific examples, such as the Green Bees project in Brazil and the 'I Generate Echo Awareness' campaign in Colombia, both of which engage young people in environmental action. 'In Lins, Brazil, students grow and harvest food for their meals, contributing to healthy and sustainable eating,' she says, illustrating the practical impact of these projects. The congregation has also created a publicity video in five languages to encourage global participation in LSAP. 'The impetus toward integral ecological conversion continues,' Sister Ronita asserts, emphasizing the ongoing commitment of the Salesian Sisters. Her testimony highlights the global reach of LAUDATIO SI ACTION PLATFORM (LSAP) and the diverse ways in which it is being implemented within religious communities.
9. Barbara Coupar’s Testimony: Barbara Coupar, Director of the Scottish Catholic Education Service, describes the Laudato Si’ Schools initiative in Scotland, which encourages schools to pray, learn, and act in alignment with LAUDATIO SI ACTION PLATFORM (LSAP) goals. The initiative began as a response to the fifth anniversary of Laudato Si’ and has since grown to include over 200 schools. 'We wanted to focus on three things: helping our schools to pray, learn, and act,' Barbara explains, outlining the structure of the program. The initiative emphasizes the importance of ecological education, connecting it to learning for sustainability, children's rights, and global citizenship. 'We are moving this away from being an award to being a journey,' she says, stressing the long-term commitment required for meaningful change. Schools are encouraged to engage in small, student-led actions, such as outdoor learning projects and advocacy against inequality and poverty. 'Our young people are not the church of tomorrow; they are the church of today,' Barbara asserts, highlighting the active role of students in this movement. The initiative also aligns with broader LAUDATIO SI ACTION PLATFORM (LSAP) goals, particularly in education and advocacy, and is designed to be a continuous cycle of prayer, learning, and action. 'We want them to change for the common good, and for good,' she emphasizes, reflecting the program’s dual focus on immediate and lasting impact. Barbara concludes by expressing hope for the future, celebrating the progress made and the potential for further growth in the coming years.
10. Closing Prayer and Call to Action: Sister Sheila Kinsey returns to lead the closing prayer, reflecting on the achievements of the past year and the ongoing journey of the LAUDATIO SI ACTION PLATFORM (LSAP) community. The prayer expresses gratitude for the progress made, including the concrete steps taken toward sustainable lifestyles and the seeds of hope planted worldwide. 'Together, we have seen seeds planted that are growing with the promise of a future full of hope for our planet,' she prays, acknowledging the collective efforts of the global community. Sister Sheila also highlights the importance of solidarity, noting that LAUDATIO SI ACTION PLATFORM (LSAP) participants have stood with the poor, indigenous cultures, and the Earth itself. 'We have listened to the voices of the poor and tried to attend to their needs and well-being,' she says, emphasizing the platform’s focus on social justice. The prayer calls for continued commitment to ecological stewardship, urging participants to remain united in their mission. 'We are the sowers of hope that another world is possible,' Sister Sheila declares, inspiring participants to keep striving for a better future. The event concludes with an invitation for participants to continue their LAUDATIO SI ACTION PLATFORM (LSAP) journey, whether by deepening their existing commitments or by signing up anew. 'Help us to be all that you are calling us to be,' she prays, asking for divine guidance and strength. The closing segment leaves participants with a sense of purpose and determination, ready to embark on the next phase of their ecological mission.
Questions for further reflection
How can local communities effectively integrate the principles of Laudato Si' into their daily practices and decision-making processes?
In what ways can young people be more actively engaged in ecological initiatives, and how can their voices be amplified within the global movement?
What are the most significant challenges faced by communities in implementing the goals of the Laudato Si' Action Platform, and how can these be overcome?
How can the concept of 'circular movement' from the peripheries to the center be applied in other areas of social justice and environmental advocacy?
What role does contemplation and spiritual reflection play in motivating and sustaining long-term ecological action?
How can we measure the impact of the Laudato Si' Action Platform on both local and global scales, and what metrics should be used to evaluate success?
In what ways can the collaboration between different sectors, such as education, business, and religious institutions, be strengthened to achieve the critical mass needed for systemic change?
Song - In this together
Closing Prayer Dear God, thank you for this time of grace, of recognizing your loving presence here with us now. We've experienced one full year of our sisters and brothers around the globe taking concrete steps towards sustainable lifestyles through inspirational Laudato Si’ Plans. Together, we have seen seeds planted that are growing with the promise of a future full of hope for our planet. We have listened to the voices of the poor and tried to attend to their needs and well-being, especially those fleeing devastating conflicts and disastrous environmental consequences.
We have stood in solidarity with one another, helping each other to know what is important to be strengthened and developed. We have responded to the voices of the indigenous cultures, valuing their perspectives and wisdom and standing with them to preserve their unique heritages. We have attended to the voice of the earth, our mother, and have witnessed her beauty and precious diversity of species. We have stood to protect the plants and animals of the land and oceans from exploitation and pollution. We have accepted our responsibility for an ecological economy and have worked towards divesting from fossil fuels and investing in alternative energy resources.
We have promoted a just response to the damages and losses due to the severe impacts of climate change inflicted on vulnerable communities and countries. We have valued the importance of science and our responsibility to make change happen. We have acknowledged the data regarding the environmental impact of our behaviors. We have networked with others locally and in major conferences to promote the advancement of integral ecology affecting the social, environmental, economic, and cultural impacts. Our advocacy has focused on COP27 for climate change and COP15 for biodiversity.
Our faith has been deepened as our spirituality influences our action. Contemplation in prayer informs our decisions of faith. So together, we have been challenged anew to do our part—not alone, but many as one—to make the tipping point for change, realizing that God is guiding our lives through the gifts of our companionship with each other, recognizing the importance of listening and dialoguing, reflecting on new ways of being, witnessing the many meaningful actions of our lives, hearing the stories from those who have cherished the land, and building a future so that others may thrive.
Planting and watering in the spirit of God, wishing a life of abundance for everyone. So dear God, as we continue our journey together, help us to be all that you are calling us to be. Remind us of your tender love in the beauty of creation and in the love we express to one another. We are the sowers of hope that another world is possible because we believe it is so. We will do all we can as members of one family to bring this dream to a reality. With our compassionate commitment, we say Amen. Amen.
