Ateneo Alumni Conversationabout Pope Francis’

Green Encyclical

Ignatian Festival (July 15 – August 15)

July 25, 2015 (Saturday), 1:00 – 5:30 PMSan Alberto Hurtado Hall, Social Development Complex

Ateneo de Manila University, Loyola Heights, Quezon City

Conversations on Laudato Si Program

Overview of Laudato Si

Snapshot Overview of Laudato SiVatican City, 18 June 2015 (VIS) – The following text offers an overview of the 191 pages of the Encyclical Laudato si' and its key points, along with a summary of each of its six chapters “What is happening to our common home”, “The Gospel of Creation”, “The human roots of the ecological crisis”, “Integral ecology”, “Lines of approach and action”, and “Ecological education and spirituality”). The Encyclical concludes with an interreligious prayer for our earth and a Christian prayer for Creation.“What kind of world do we want to leave to those who come after us, to children who are now growing up?”. This question is at the heart of Laudato si’ (May You be praised), the anticipated Encyclical on the care of the common home by Pope Francis. “This question does not have to do with the environment alone and in isolation; the issue cannot be approached piecemeal”. This leads us to ask ourselves about the meaning of existence and its values at the basis of social life: “What is the purpose of our life in this world? What is the goal of our work and all our efforts? What need does the earth have of us?” “Unless we struggle with these deeper issues – says the Pope – I do not believe that our concern for ecology will produce significant results”-.

The Encyclical takes its name from the invocation of St. Francis, “Praise be to you, my Lord”, in his Canticle of the Creatures.

Conversation Recommendations1. Prioritize actions on awareness/advocacy; Draft covenant on climate change (e.g. 7 principles)Present this covenant to national candidates to endorse/commit to incorporate in their platforms2. Clean up own litter during gatherings (personal commitment3. Apostolate of social communications by echoing conversations thru tri-media4. Integration of envi/climate consciousness into the education/curriculum (basic to tertiary)5. Monitor tree-cutting permits issued by DENR6. Green vote; green agenda; green candidates7. Enhance ecological conversion thru re-celebration of the Liturgy8. Mainstream ecology as a main ministry; not just a mere part of social action/social ministry for better grass roots impact to ensure that the poor are at the heart of the mission9. Tayo na sa Antipolo 10. Deeper internal assessment; new dialogical facilitation incorporating multiple discursive assertions11. use of proper language to ensure understanding by end user (Filipino/lingua franca/mother tongue)/); using the language of the people12. Regular follow thru