In Laudato Sí, Pope Francis has underlined the fundamental connection that exists between the environmental crisis and the social crisis that we are currently experiencing and asks us for a personal and community ecological conversion. He often reminds us “everything is interconnected.” “Sowing Hope for the Planet” is a project in which every Sister whose congregation is a member of UISG, and their connections are provided with an opportunity to make a difference in our care of the planet. This project is a collaborative effort of the JPIC Commission in the name of UISG and theLaudato Si Movement.
The Dicastery for Promoting Integral Human Development’sLaudato Si’ Action Platform is a space for institutions, communities, and families to learn and grow together. You are warmly invited to join this community. Your unique “culture, experience, involvements, and talents” are needed on our journey towards greater love for our Creator, each other, and the home we share." (LS 14). For more information, go to the LSAP website at:https://laudatosiactionplatform.org/
The Religious Sector of the Laudato Si’ Action Platform presented a seminar on September 12, Integral Ecology in Religious Life and Mission, on deepening the commitment to Laudato Si’, the Laudato Si’ Goals, and how to develop action plans related to integral ecology. On September 18, The JPIC Office hosted a seminar on “Integral Ecology Facing Extractive Economies – Communities Affected by Mining in Latin America”. Members of religious and faith-based organizations discussed examples of a Samaritan economy and the mining divestment campaign. The seminars are available on our YouTube Channel here. We hope you enjoy these fascinating and helpful presentations!
Pacem In Terris and Laudato Si' in Action:Caring for our Common Home in Truth, Justice, Love, and Creation. Plans and Presentations JPIC Workshop 2022, 9 March 2023 - This multicultural webinar shares experiences from the ground and how congregations are applying Laudato Si' Goals to make systematic changes in their realities.
JPIC Office Webinar: Saving the Congo Peatlands,
22 May 2023
Congo Basin Peatlands Under Threat
Currently, the Congo Basin Peatlands are under threat by governmental decisions to allow prospecting for oil and gas in this ecologically vulnerable region. Additionally, there are plans to mine the area for peat, which can be dried and burnt for fuel. The Congo peatlands are the largest old-growth rainforests on Earth. They are a vitally important area of biodiversity, hosting many unique species which are endangered and threatened by extinction. The peatlands are also a vast reservoir for water, carbon, and nitrogen.
Disruption of these systems will harm other dependent ecosystems, change weather patterns, and harm the lives and livelihoods of people in the area. This fragile ecosystem is very old and cannot easily repair itself. Prospecting the region for oil and gas will cause great damage. Mining peat from the Basin will destroy incredibly old and beautiful forests and wetlands to produce fuel with a high carbon footprint.
The JPIC Office has produced a webinar which presents information about the Congo Basin Peatlands from perspectives of scientists, activists, and religious. Following the See, Judge, and Act methodology, useful information will be followed by messages of hope and prayer. The video is an opportunity to learn about the Congo Basin Peatlands and their importance, to share the knowledge of people working to address this issue, and to decide what is yours to do.
Sowing Hope for the Planet
has a YouTube channel, Planet Hope,
where we post informative videos and
recordings of webinar sessions.
Please visit the channel!
The Letter Movie Premiere,
October 4, 2022
Laudato Si’, Pope Francis’ encyclical on climate change and ecology, offers a transformative new vision of environmental protection. The Laudato Si’ Movement, in partnership with Off the Fence Productions, is collaborating with the Vatican to release the Laudato Si’ film October 4, 2022. The film premiered in Vatican City on the Feast of St. Francis that closed the Season of Creation. The entire film is now available to watch onthe YouTube Originals channelfor free. The film will bring Pope Francis’ vision of integral ecology to life.
Sowing Hope for the Planet, Pax Christi and Listen Webinar celebrating
the Catholic Nonviolence Days of Action
Do Something
Music by Sr. Fidelia Chukwumah
Sisters of Our Lady of Apostles, 2020
Essentially Beautiful, words and music by Sr. Alphonsa Kiven, Tssf
