Community Resilience and Empowerment: Lessons from a Divine Encounter in the Philippines

During a pastoral mission in the Philippines, Fr. Joby, a Laudato Si’ Animator, had a transformative encounter with a wise woman that left an indelible mark on his heart. As he explored the social and cultural heritage of the land, he stumbled upon an act of selfless service that exemplified Community Resilience and Empowerment, one of the seven Laudato Si’ Goals.

This encounter not only shed light on the importance of maintaining a clean and sustainable environment, it also revealed the power of individual actions to inspire and transform entire communities. 

Below, Fr. Joby shares the inspiring story of his life-changing encounter.

A Profound Encounter

While on my journey, I came across an elderly woman diligently cleaning a long road. Intrigued by her actions, I approached her and asked who was paying her for this laborious task. To my surprise, she replied with a smile, “No one is paying me. I do it by myself because Papa God told me to keep His home clean.” 

Her words resonated deep within me. Witnessing her commitment to cleanliness and the joy she derived from her work, I felt compelled to contribute to her noble cause.

Community Resilience Through Individual Action

The wise woman’s selflessness exemplifies the essence of Community Resilience and Empowerment. She recognized her role in creating a cleaner and more harmonious environment, even without any external incentives. Her actions demonstrated that small individual efforts can lead to significant collective change. 

The responsibility to care for the Earth is a shared one, and through our own personal actions, we have the power to create a ripple effect that motivates others to do the same.

The Power of Inspiration

The encounter with the joyful woman served as a wake-up call for me. I realized that, despite my position as a pastoral figure, I hadn’t always been attentive to the voice of Papa God urging me to keep His earthly home clean. The image of the woman’s heavenly smile lingered in my mind, reminding me of the importance of active participation in creating a more sustainable world. 

Her simple act of service became an invitation for introspection and a catalyst for personal transformation.

Empowering the Community

The woman’s wisdom extended beyond her dedication to cleanliness. In our subsequent conversation, she shared personal insights, claiming that Papa God had spoken to her. Her words highlighted the potential for a heavenly abode here on Earth, urging us all to listen to the voice of the divine. 

We have the ability to inspire others by embodying the change we wish to see. Through our daily choices and actions, we can build more resilient communities and create a sustainable and harmonious planet. 

Papa God still speaks to us through the lovely smile of that Filipino Mamma: “Keep my home clean!”