The Archdiocese of Manila will culminate the observance of Laudato Si Week on Sunday, May 29.
Several activities were held by the archdiocese’s Ecology Ministry in partnership with the Living Laudato Philippines and Laudato Si Movement.
Now on its 7th year, the Laudato Si is Pope Francis’ encyclical on the environment.
A mass was held at the Saint Dominic Savio Parish in Mandaluyong City followed by the blessing and launching of the Savio Laudato Si Eco-livelihood and Plastic Recovery Center. A whole-day event was also held at the Manila Cathedral in Intramuros, Manila that focused on “Empowering ECOmmunities, Embracing the Poor.”
An exhibit titled “Laudato Si and Eco-Solutions Demonstrations and Modeling Plastic Banks Eco System and Recycling Used Cooking Oil into Fuel for Cooking” was held at the Plaza Roma in front of the Manila Cathedral. An interfaith dialogue and testimonial sharing was also held at the cathedral.
Other activities held include an online public forum as well as tree naming and labeling workshops. On Sunday, May 29, a Liturgy Integration and Plastic Bank Eco System will be held.
Kalookan Bishop Catholic Bishops’ Conference of the Philippines president Pablo Virgilio David cited the importance of the observance of the Laudato Si Week.
“The Laudato Si Week is an opportunity for the people to raise awareness on the serious crisis in climate change that the whole world needs to address. Like what I have said on many occasions before, there is no planet B waiting for us out there. The earth is our one and only home; and our creator has entrusted it to our care as his stewards,” the Church leader said over Radio Veritas.
The theme for this year’s celebration is “Listening and Journeying Together.”