The first words of Laudato Si’ are Italian and translate as “praise be to you.” They are part of a quotation from St. Francis of Assisi’s “Canticle of the Creatures” that opens the encyclical in which the saint praises God by meditating on the goodness of sun, wind, Earth, water, and other natural forces. The choice of this passage to begin Laudato Si’ is a reminder of how people of faith should not only respect the Earth but also praise and honor God through their engagement with creation.
By: Owamani Hillary
KABALE: – As Uganda commemorated the 62nd independence anniversary, St. Theresa Girls’ Vocational Secondary School Rushoroza community dedicated the day to mother earth as the students offered community service by combing all the garbage that littered on the streets of Kabale Town with much concentration on the area in and around Mwanjari weekly market in Mwanjari Ward, Southern Division of Kabale Municipality.
According to Sr. Sophia Natuhwera, the head teacher of St. Theresa Girls’ Vocational S.S Rushoroza, the move to clean the environment is part of the implementation of the laudato si’ (encyclical of Pope Francis) which seeks to address environmental degradation, irresponsible economic development, consumerism, global warming and calls all people of the world to take swift action and unified action in the countering the effects.
Sr. Sophia said that their initiative and participation is an inspiration by message of Pope Francis on environmental conservation, which message is contained in the encyclical Laudato Si. Laudato Si’ is an encyclical of Pope Francis published in May 2015, which focuses on care for the natural environment and all people, as well as broader questions of the relationship between God, humans, and the Earth.
Therefore St. Theresa Girls’ Vocational S.S took the honor to participate in the call which was made by the Dicastery for Promoting Integral Human Development’s Laudato Si’ Action Platform “a space for institutions, communities, and families to learn and grow together as we journey towards full sustainability in the holistic spirit of integral ecology.”
The head teacher further urged the community around to take responsibility of the environment where they operate from as well as the general sanitation in the homes where we live. The activity according to Sr. Sophia also helps in grooming responsible citizens of the country who can take charge of the environment. The cleaned areas include Rushoroza cathedral grounds, Kabale – Katuna road, Mwanjari weekly Market and its surroundings, neighboring the Southern Division Headquarters in Kabale Municipality.
Judith Asiimwe the head prefect for St. Theresa Girls’ Vocational S.S said that the activity was a result of patriotism and as students, cleaning the environment was one of the activities they could do to show love for their country on its 62nd anniversary of Independence Day celebrations. Uganda gained independence from England on October 9, 1962 and this year’s 62nd national celebrations were held at Busikho Primary Teachers’ College Grounds in Masafu Town Council in Busia District under the theme “A Recommitment to Secure and Fortify our Destiny.”
Seven themes which are addressed by Laudato Si.
- Response to the Cry of the Earth.
The Response to the Cry of the Earth is a call to protect our common home for the wellbeing of all, as we equitably address the climate crisis, biodiversity loss, and ecological sustainability. Actions could include the adoption of renewable energies and energy sufficiency measures, achieving carbon neutrality, protecting biodiversity, promoting sustainable agriculture, and guaranteeing access to clean water for all.
2. Response to the Cry of the Poor
The Response to the Cry of the Poor is a call to promote eco-justice, aware that we are called to defend human life from conception to death, and all forms of life on Earth. Actions could include projects to promote solidarity, with special attention given to vulnerable groups such as indigenous communities, refugees, migrants, and children at risk, analysis and improvement of social systems, and social service programs.
3. Ecological Economics
Ecological Economics acknowledges that the economy is a sub-system of human society, which itself is embedded within the biosphere–our common home. Actions could include sustainable production and consumption, ethical investments, divestment from fossil fuels and any activity harmful to the planet and the people, supporting circular economies, and prioritizing care labor and protecting the dignity of workers.
4. Adoption of Sustainable Lifestyles
The Adoption of Sustainable Lifestyles is grounded in the idea of sufficiency, and promoting sobriety in the use of resources and energy. Actions could include reducing waste and recycling, adopting sustainable dietary habits (opting for a more plant-based diet and reducing meat consumption), greater use of public transport, active mobility (walking, cycling), and avoiding single use items (e.g. plastic, etc.).
5. Ecological Education
Ecological Education is about re-thinking and re-designing curricular and institutional reform in the spirit of integral ecology in order to foster ecological awareness and transformative action. Actions could include ensuring equitable access to education for all and promoting human rights, fostering Laudato Si’ themes within the community, encouraging ecological leadership (students and teachers) and ecological restoration activities.
6. Ecological Spirituality
Ecological Spirituality springs from a profound ecological conversion and helps us to “discover God in all things”, both in the beauty of creation and in the sighs of the sick and the groans of the afflicted, aware that the life of the spirit is not dissociated from worldly realities. Actions could include promoting creation-based liturgical celebrations, developing ecological catechesis, retreats and formation programs, etc.
7. Community Resilience and Empowerment
Community resilience and empowerment envisage a synodal journey of community engagement and participatory action at various levels. Actions could include promoting advocacy and developing people’s campaigns, encouraging rootedness and a sense of belonging in local communities and neighborhood ecosystems.