The World Network of Women Religious and the Sisters of Charity are in the field “to do their part” in favour of safeguarding planet Earth, our only home, and respecting its environmental resources, in a context increasingly characterised by the climate emergency. The first to pay the price are the last people on Earth.
What is Earth Day
The first Earth Day was celebrated on 22 April 1970, following the environmental disaster caused by the Union Oil well spill off Santa Barbara, California. Senator Nelson Gaylord – inspired by student protests against the war in Vietnam – decided it was time to establish a Day to discuss environmental issues with politicians and to raise public awareness. The CBD News covered the event with a story entitled ‘Earth Day: a question of survival’. Since then, participation in this event has grown to more than 190 countries.
The theme 2023: Do your part
EarthDay.org, the global co-ordinator of Earth Day, has chosen the theme ‘Invest in Our Planet‘ to raise awareness of the importance of “everyone doing their part“, individuals, companies, governments, businesses, religious institutions.
The part of religious women worldwide
The organisation brings together more than 1,900 Superiors General in 97 countries, representing more than 600,000 sisters worldwide. Catholic sisters are part of a global movement committed to promoting concrete solutions to support and empower vulnerable people affected by climate change, biodiversity loss, pollution and environmental degradation.
At the global level, the International Union of Superiors General – Uisg – includes work to implement the conclusions of Cop27 and Cop15. As bridge builders, the sisters call everyone’s attention to our common humanity, to walk towards a safe, just and peaceful future for all and all of Creation.
The Sisters of Charity also play their part
Through our presence in 30 countries around the world, we are concerned with raising awareness in the communities in which we are embedded, to make them aware of the importance of respect for the environment in which we all live.
There is also a strong commitment in the local communities to keep a watchful eye on our footprint on Creation. We have a duty to care for the earth, to see to it that its resources are shared fairly, and not abused by a few.
With the 2021 General Chapter, we have consciously and operationally taken up the call of Pope Francis to respond to the cry of the Earth and the poor, to promote an ecological economy, to adopt sustainable lifestyles, to involve the community through active participation.
Along the lines of the encyclical Laudato Si’, again from the Acts of the General Chapter, we have a fruitful collaboration with the Laudato Si’ Movement.
All people, regardless of their ethnicity, gender, income or geographical originhave the right to a healthy, equilobrated and sustainable environment”.– Gaylord Nelson –
ARGENTINA - A small contribution from Santa Marta College, Colon - Buenos Aires
