Speaking at the launch, H.E. Cardinal Michael Czerny SJ, Prefect of the Dicastery for Promoting Integral Human Development said, “We are at a critical historical moment where actions today will determine the fate of generations to come.” He continued “The challenge ahead is monumental; we need nothing short of a ‘bold cultural revolution’ (Laudato Si’ 114) to respond to it adequately. For this reason, the guidebook we offer today to local churches and community groups represents an important and hopeful collaboration between two great sectors: that of science, and that of faith. While starting from complementary worldviews, what we hold in common is what matters – science and faith share core values and purpose capable of healing the world.” Andrés Jato, Sweden's Ambassador to the Holy See responded, “The Holy See is a force for positive change, in a stage of history when change is needed more than ever. Sweden is proud to have taken an active part in this collaboration and we will continue to look for opportunities to cooperate with the Holy See.” The 20-page, full colour booklet is available in 5 languages – English, Spanish, French, Italian and Portuguese. Succinct summaries of the science on each topic are illustrated by beautiful photography and graphics. With its clear outline of what needs to change, and inclusion of ways individuals and communities can make a difference, this is a truly educational resource. The booklet is free to download from the Stockholm Environment Institute website: sei.org/ourcommonhome The Dicastery is distributing more than 500 000 print copies of the booklet to parishes around the world. QUICK LINKS: “Our Common Home: A guide to caring for our living planet” booklet https://www.sei.org/wp-content/uploads/2022/11/our-common-home-sei-vatican-20221128.pdf “Our Common Home: A guide to caring for our living planet” website https://www.sei.org/publications/ourcommonhome/ Our Common Home: A guide to caring for our living planet” video launch https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=n_l27wVcDvg (see Mercy College Student at 26:33 - Principal at 26:50) The Federation of Catholic Bishops Conferences of Oceania has released a statement focused on the oceans, which speaks of the need for “deeper ecological conversion” and to embrace “the challenge of integral ecology”. Titled “The oceans of the world are interwoven with the future hopes of all peoples”, the statement was prepared during the FCBCO’s assembly in Fiji last week. In the statement, the bishops said: “The nations and peoples of the Oceania region are facing some of the world’s greatest uncertainties with growing anxiety, but with faith, hope and resilience. “Rising sea levels, extreme weather events, human and economic insecurity, compounded by exploitation and pollution threaten the survival of many communities. The decisions we make today will determine the region’s tomorrow, and how the vaka (canoe) of our peoples is held by the oceans.”  “Meeting a group of Indigenous delegates on 10 February attending the 6th Global Meeting of the Indigenous Peoples Forum , Pope Francis has urged governments and the international community to respect the cultures, dignity and rights of Indigenous Peoples, acknowledging their crucial role in helping address the current global environmental crisis. In his address, the Pope said: “We should listen more to indigenous peoples and learn from their way of life to properly understand that we cannot continue to greedily devour natural resources, because ‘the Earth was entrusted to us in order that it be mother for us, capable of giving to each one what is necessary to live’. Therefore, the contribution of indigenous peoples is essential in the fight against climate change.” Read more Source: Vatican News View related Video on 'Ecological Conscience' View Video from Oceania Region produced for Dicastery Project by Adele in 2022 which brings together Indigenous People's Voices with key issues and questions about the environmental crisis and the need to listen and learn to their wisdom. Pope Francis has spoken about this in Rome today, February 10, 2023. (see above article)
"The 6-day Synod Continental Assembly for Oceania wrapped up on Friday with the Bishops expressing their joy for the week of prayer and time spent to 'consider our shared mission as the Chief Shepherds of our region.'...
Throughout the week, they were accompanied in prayerful reflection and discernment regarding their response as bishops of Oceania to the Working Document for the Continental Stage of the Synod. Various speakers and a group of theologians provided input on the three themes identified for deeper reflection: synodality, care for the oceans and formation for mission..." Read more Source: Vatican News Watch the overview video of the Oceania Continental Assembly
At the Synod Continental Assembly of Oceania on Wednesday, a group of theologians presents via video the results of their “communal theological reflection” on the three themes chosen for further deepening: Care for the oceans, synodality, and formation for mission.
Read more Source: Vatican News Watch the Overview video of the fourth day of Oceania Continental Synod
Synodality, caring for the ocean, and formation for mission were three pastoral challenges that were explored by the Synod Continental Assembly of Oceania in Suva on Tuesday, 7 February.
Analyzing particular pastoral challenges formed the focus for Tuesday, Day 3 of the Synod Continental Assembly of Oceania in Suva. Archbishop Peter Chong Loy introduced the themes for the morning of the third day of the Suva Continental Assembly, which, he said, were noted by the four FCBCO conferences as important ones to reflect on together. Sr Nathalie Becquart provided a presentation on Becoming a more Synodal Church. She began by saying that all the bishops present are active participants in the synodal process Read more Source: Vatican News Watch the Overview video of the third day of Oceania Continental Synod
On Monday, the second day of the Synod Continental Assembly in Suva, participants begin to engage Oceania’s response to the Document for the Continental Stage, and engage those on the peripheries, visiting two vulnerable communities.
Read more Source: Vatican News Watch the Overview video of the second day of Oceania Continental Synod |
