In May 2025, the Diocese of El Paso became one of the newest members of the Laudato Si’ Action Platform. But this was more than a symbolic gesture. It was a declaration of commitment from a borderland community already experiencing the sharp edges of ecological injustice.
The Diocese celebrated its enrollment during a bilingual Mass at St. Luke’s Parish—the first parish in the diocese to establish a care for creation ministry. There, Bishop Mark Seitz formally signed the diocesan Laudato Si’ Action Plan, asking aloud if the community supported the decision. The resounding response? A collective and heartfelt “yes” met with applause.
“Pope Francis reminds us that care for the Earth is inseparable from care for the most vulnerable,” Seitz said. “This plan invites every person, parish, and diocesan structure to reflect on our impact and take real steps to live more sustainably and faithfully.”
Diocese of El Paso members pictured with Bishop Seitz symbolically holding the letter of commitment signed during Laudato Si Week 2025.
“We were truly blessed to have shared a special moment of community, commitment, and celebration,” shared Cynthia Gonzalez, Co-Chair of the Diocese of El Paso Laudato Si’ Action Commission. “Bishop Seitz’s words were so inspiring, and the reactions from those in attendance filled our hearts with love and enthusiasm. We are not alone in this work.”
A Commission Rooted in Community
Cynthia, a social worker by training, spoke about the spiritual and emotional roots of her commitment. “I think I have felt a call to work on the care for our common home from a very young age,” she said. “Living in the desert, I grew up aware of the importance of conserving water.” She later added, “This process has taught us the power of community. We all have very different backgrounds and gifts, but that is what makes this commission so special.”
The diversity of the commission reflects the strength of the movement. Young adults like Marylu Vazquez and Fernanda Lugo, a local advocate with Eco El Paso, are key voices in this effort.
Ecological Urgency in the Borderlands
The Diocese of El Paso is located in a region increasingly shaped by drought, record-breaking heat, and severe dust storms. These threats are intensified by the legacy of extractive industry in the Permian Basin.
The Castner Range in El Paso was designated a national monument after over 50 years of local advocacy for its protection. It spans more than 6,600 acres. Photo by Marylu Vazquez.
“Drought, heat, and dust are huge concerns right now, and they all tie back to how we treat living earth and the green beings that sustain us all,” explained Fernanda Lugo. “Environmental education around this issue of desertification is also a huge community gap.”
Her experience as an environmental justice advocate is deeply rooted in restoration work. “I have seen evidence of restoration, and I know that when we work to help nature get just a step ahead, it will bounce back and surprise us,” she shared. “When we restore green spaces, we also empower people to directly see what they can do, and then we go so much further.”
She emphasized how ecological work and faith are intertwined: “Faith and personal empowerment are key to this work because you have to see hope as a verb, not a noun. You have to not just wish, but pray, and do. And then things can change.”
A Spirit of Interfaith and Civic Collaboration
The celebratory Mass was more than an internal Church milestone. Representatives from secular and interfaith organizations joined the diocese in a show of unity. These included Laudato Si’ Movement – Texas Chapter, Interfaith Power and Light – New Mexico, Eco El Paso, and others.
“We are thrilled to be able to work in an interfaith and collaborative manner, just as Pope Francis has asked us to do,” said Cynthia.
A Practical Model for Faith-Rooted Ecological Engagement
The Diocese of El Paso’s case offers practical guidance for others discerning how to begin their Laudato Si’ journey:
- Start with a dedicated team: The Diocesan Laudato Si’ Commission includes people from diverse professional and cultural backgrounds, which strengthens its reach and perspective.
- Engage your bishop and parish leaders: Having the bishop publicly affirm the commitment sends a strong message to the broader community.
- Make your enrollment public and celebratory: Hosting a Mass or parish event allows for public witness and buy-in.
- Partner with others: Interfaith and civic partnerships expanded the impact of the event and reminded everyone that no one walks this path alone.
- Empower young leaders: Young adults like Fernanda, Marylu, and Cynthia are already shaping the future of the Church’s response to the ecological crisis.
A Local Witness with Global Implications
By enrolling in the Laudato Si’ Action Platform, the Diocese of El Paso joins a growing number of Catholic institutions responding to Pope Francis’ call for ecological conversion. Yet what makes El Paso’s story unique is the combination of urgent environmental conditions, a vibrant borderland culture, and a new generation of faith-filled leadership rising to meet the moment.
“Not everyone has to be an expert on ecology or spirituality,” Cynthia noted. “We are all urgently needed, whatever our gifts are. A drop of water in the ocean can make waves.”
The Diocese of El Paso’s journey is still unfolding, but it already offers a model: that even in arid places, new life can take root—when nourished by faith, community, and a shared sense of mission.