We already know that in 2015 we received an important letter from Pope Francis entitled "Laudato Si". In Portuguese, it is called "Louvado Sejas" ("Praise be to you"). It was addressed to all humanity, an encyclical that transcended the boundaries of religion and culture. Traditionally, an encyclical is a letter addressed to the Church, usually to cardinals, bishops, archbishops, as well as to the faithful. What is new about the encyclical "Laudato Si" is that it is also addressed to all humanity and that everyone is called upon/invited to take care of our common home.
Here in Nampula - Mozambique there is the "Laudato Si" circle, which carries out various activities, such as: training sessions, lectures to raise awareness and collect garbage on the streets of the city, planting trees. All these activities are aimed at making people aware of the importance of protecting the environment.
We, Lucia Joaquim Luciano and Hortega Horácio Manuel Mutepe, aspirants of the Congregation of the Sisters of Divine Providence in Nampula - Mozambique, are part of this circle to take care of and change the world together with many people: OUR COMMON HOME.
In 2022 we took part in the training course for instructors of "Laudato Si". It was a three-month training with theoretical study, concrete actions and the writing of a final report at the end of the course.
From 11 to 14 April 2023, we, the "Laudato Si" group, held a training and awareness-raising event at the Technical Women's Institute of the Comboni Sisters. The target audience was teachers, students and the staff of the institute.
This was followed by several training days in which we participated. In this way, we expanded our knowledge and strengthened our awareness of how to deal with our planet. We exchanged what we had learned and set up formation groups in the parishes/communities, sometimes mixed-age groups, sometimes older ones, but always with young people. The participation of the Justice and Peace Commission was particularly gratifying. They are committed to transmitting the knowledge of care for life and nature to other groups and to making their children aware from childhood of the importance of caring for our common home. Little by little, we understand that everything is interconnected.
We rely on the wisdom and influence of the elders who are committed to planting trees and taking care that they do not burn down unattended (a major problem during the dry season here in Mozambique).
We are happy to see how much the CARE FOR THE COMMON HOME mobilizes people. We always take concrete actions, such as planting trees, recycling waste, caring for water and rivers, etc.
In the technical school, the young people are very active. They have set out to put care into practice and to further deepen the encyclical "Laudato Si".
"The world is more than a problem that needs to be solved. It is a joyful mystery that we contemplate with joy and praise" (Pope Francis)
Nampula/Mozambique, June 20, 2023