Amplifying Integral Ecology: Highlights from the 2023 Celebration Webinar

The Laudato Si’ Action Platform’s 2023 Celebration Webinar marked a significant milestone in the journey toward integral ecology. The online event, streamed globally with live translations in multiple languages, united participants worldwide in the spirit of Pope Francis’s 2015 encyclical letter, Laudato Si’, and recent apostolic exhortation, Laudate Deum.

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Global Participation and Prayer

Sarah Mundell, our moderator from the United States, introduced the webinar, celebrating two years of participants contemplating, planning, and taking action through their Laudato Si’ Plans.

The participants were then led in prayer by Alonso de Llanes, Program Manager of the Laudato Si’ Action Platform, inviting people of all faiths to share their intentions in a spirit of gratitude and reflection.

 

Updates and Theological Insights

John Mundell, Director of the Laudato Si’ Action Platform, provided updates and insights into the year’s achievements. Following this, Father Joshtrom Kureethadam and Dr. Fabien Revol offered theological reflections, deepening the understanding of the platform’s goals and connecting them with Pope Francis’s apostolic exhortation, Laudate Deum.

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Testimonies and Progress

Highlighting the practical implications of the platform, several participants shared their progress and experiences:

• Peter Arndt discussed the Australian Catholic Bishops Conference’s commitment and progress in developing Laudato Si’ Plans.
• Lourdes Valencia Arsenio from the Philippines spoke on the Archdiocese of Manila’s decision to divest from fossil fuels.
• Dr. Jeanette Rodriguez from Seattle University shared how the university integrated Laudato Si’ Goals into their sustainability journey.
• Sr. Maamalifar Poreku from the Justice, Peace and Integrity of Creation Commission in Rome highlighted the efforts of men and women religious in promoting integral ecology.

 

Global Highlights and Engagement

The webinar also showcased efforts from various parts of the world, including Japan, Chicago, and Peru. Participants were encouraged to share their success stories on social media using the hashtag #LSAP2023 and to continue engaging with the platform.

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Urgent Climate Action and Closing Remarks

John Mundell returned to discuss the importance of COP28, an international climate summit, and the joint statement released by the Laudato Si’ Action Platform, urging concrete climate action. The webinar concluded with a prayer by Dawn Carpenter from Georgetown University.

This celebration not only highlighted the achievements and shared wisdom of the Laudato Si’ Action Platform’s community but also underscored the ongoing commitment to caring for our common home. As we look forward to future events and actions, let us carry the spirit of this celebration in our continuous journey towards integral ecology.