Planet is our common home. This common home is like a sister with whom we share our life. And this sister now cries out to us because of the harm we have inflicted on her by our irresponsible use and abuse of the goods with which God has endowed her. We have come to see ourselves as her lords and masters, entitled to plunder her at will.
“Climate change is contributing to the heart-rending refugee crisis. The world’s poor, though least responsible for climate change, are most vulnerable and already suffering its impact,” – Pope Francis
Anyone on a flight from Sabah or Sarawak to Peninsular Malaysia cannot help but be saddened by the sight of large tracts of deforestation that has taken place. These impacts are expected to have numerous environmental and socioeconomic effects, exacerbating existing environmental issues and reinforcing inequality.
Let us recognise our errors, sins, faults and failures, and to have a heartfelt repentance and desire to change.
Pope Francis wrote an “encyclical letter”–a short book that popes write–called Laudato Si’. It encourages us to see how “everything is connected.” The way we treat the Earth, our common home, is a reflection of how we treat each other. Caring for each other means caring for the home we share.
In line with Lenten theme Renew our hearts to care for our common home, Caritas Penang organised clean up event in collaboration with Tzu Chi Merits Society Malaysia to raise awareness on proper waste management to help reduce pollution and protect the environment.
This simple action of picking up trash brought people from diverse backgrounds together, united in a common goal, to keep the environment clean.
It was an introduction to what eco-spirituality is relevant to the world's current situation. Eco-spirituality connects the science of ecology with spirituality. It manifests the spiritual connection between human beings and the environment. Current ecological crises have created a need for environmentally based spirituality. As Christians, there is an urgent need to be introduced to and practice it.
Church of the Immaculate Conception participated in Penang World Cleanup Day 2022. Led by Ms. Suzy, volunteers from the church came together to clean up the adopted spot despite the rain.
The Creation Justice Commission (CJC), Diocese of Penang was invited by the Church of the Sacred Heart ( CSH), Kampar to conduct a workshop on the “Introduction of Laudato Si and Stop Plastic Pollution” from 11th Sept. 2022.
This event was conducted in Bahasa Malaysia, for the community from CSH Kampar, to experience the Season of Creation 2022 and the Protect the Earth, Protect Our Children Campaign Year 3 – Stop plastic pollution.
There were talks presented by the CJC team, a “hands-on” experience of how to recycle, and an exhibition of life without plastic.
Call or WhatsApp
Caritas is the charitable arm of the Roman Catholic Church. It is to spearhead the church’s social mission, to respond to humanitarian crisis, promote integral human development and advocate on the causes of poverty and violence.
Caritas Penang comes under the jurisdiction of The Titular Roman Catholic Bishop of Penang.
© 2022 Caritas – Diocese of Penang. All Right Reserved.
