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updated 11:54 AM UTC, Mar 20, 2024

Cop26 and Our Optimistic Ecological Resourcefulness

Franciscan Integral Optimism and Resourcefulness (2)

Cop26 and Our Optimistic Ecological Resourcefulness

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World leaders gather to discuss the vital issue of Climate Change from 31st October to 12th November. Along with the concrete issues to be addressed by them one could witness the genuine concern in some of these leaders to do something to make this world a better place. And we Franciscans what can we do? And how can we respond?

Adding Integral freshness to our Cosmic Home

What we imbibed from Jesus our creative divine Master, from Brother Francis and Sister Clare is to jointly do something good to respond to any need. What is important is to understand the significance of our ecological initiatives however small our number and limited our initiative may be. In this way, with integral optimism we are called to become ecologically resourceful and respond by doing our part. We can start with the Integral Franciscan Awareness about the need to inspire people to be responsible in caring for the nature. We can become aware of the natural beauty, resources and enjoy its richness gratefully. And on the other hand truthfully consider the harm done by the greed of human selfishness that devastated the nature. It will help us to take concrete measures to read materials about this issue and listen to inspirational talks to have clarity about the current reality. Doing this will motivate us for constant joint responses.

Pope Francis inspires us through the audio/video message saying: Crisis presents us with the opportunity to build together.

“Climate change and the Covid-19 pandemic have exposed our deep vulnerability and raised numerous doubts and concerns about our economic systems and the way we organize our societies.” Every crisis calls for vision, the ability to formulate plans and put them rapidly into action, to rethink the future of the world, our common home, and to reassess our common purpose.

We can confront these crises by retreating into isolationism, protectionism and exploitation.  Or we can see in them a real chance for change, a genuine moment of conversion, and not simply in a spiritual sense.” Our response according to him has to be to “build together so that there will no longer be any borders, barriers or political walls for us to hide behind.” He further pointed out that we need “a renewed sense of shared responsibility for our world, and an effective solidarity based on justice, a sense of our common destiny and a recognition of the unity of our human family in God’s plan for the world.” All this responsibility for him, “represents an immense cultural change,” which means giving priority to the common good that calls for “a change in perspective, a new outlook, in which the dignity of every human being, now and in the future, will guide our ways of thinking and acting.”

https://www.vaticannews.va/en/pope/news/2021-10/pope-bbc-climate-crisis-covid-video-message.html

Concrete Franciscan Ways:

  • We have a common home gifted to us by our Loving God and so let us remember to praise Him with gratitude. Praise be to you God, laudato si. Let us also pray that human beings become responsible in caring for natural resources.
  • As sons and daughters of our Brother Francis and Sister Clare, avoiding blame game, we can jointly point out the ways to improve the present reality. We can, through fraternal dialogue, personally commit and propose ways to protect and befriend Mother Nature.
  • Encourage people to plant as many trees as possible. In all our houses, even if we live in rented houses have a small garden to add freshness to the atmosphere.
  • Join JPIC and other Environmental Groups to influence the political and other leaders to commit for the reduction of pollution. Brother Joel de Jesus our General Secretary for JPIC is reminding people to reforest the globe using Capuchin Gem initiatives. https://www.jpicofmcap.org/courses/italiano-parte-1-introduzione-a-cappuccini-gem/
  • Encourage our young brothers and sisters to passionately love the nature and come out with creative ways to inspire the youth and children. Train them to lead a nature based life and enjoy its benefits.
  • Create awareness about Climate Change and Ecological Challenges. Inspire people to use sparingly the natural resources and work out ways to prevent pollution.
  • Identify the healing natural herbs, fruits and vegetables in your surrounding and share it with others.
  • Find time to go closer to the animals, birds, trees and plants touch and feel the warmth of Mother Nature. Help the elders, poor, youth and children to have similar heart touching experiences so that they can also praise God our loving Father and Mother who cares for us.
  • Brothers and sisters we have done very little to work for ecology and peace so let us stat again.
  • Repeat this integrally ecological whisper: I will defend Mother nature and continue to create a home for all

Fra. Charles Alphonse and Jaime Rey Ofm Cap

General Secretariat for Formation

(Thanks to Br. Joseph Palliparambi Ofm Cap for the above image of Brother Francis and to Br. Michele Mottura Ofm Cap for the Italian Correction).