From India, sister Pussham tells us about her educational experience that occurred through the Joint Diploma in Integral Ecology:

“The Joint Diploma in Integral Ecology related to Pope Francis’ Encyclical “Laudato Si'” was very interesting indeed! This Encyclical, subtitled “On Care for Our Common Home,” addresses environmental and global issues and calls for greater global cooperation to protect our Earth.

We 12 people from India – Sisters, Fathers and faithful – participated in this course with the help of LIEI (International Integral Ecology Laboratory) and the National Team. It was a great opportunity given to us to get in-depth knowledge of Laudato Si’ and Laudate Deum (the following Apostolic Exhortation of Pope Francis on the Climate Crisis). The Joint Diploma sessions helped us to combine studies in theology, environmental science, ethics, sustainability etc. and to explore the themes and implications of Laudato Si’ on comprehensive knowledge of nature.

We are grateful for supporting us in various ways, so we would like to take this opportunity to thank each one of you who supported us externally and financially to complete the course. We concluded the course with a graduation ceremony on 27th June.

Thank you!”

The Joint Diploma is an initiative shared by the Pontifical Universities and Universities in Rome to promote and spread the message of the Encyclical “Laudato Si’.”

The intent is to continue promoting a cultural revolution, generating awareness among people and encouraging them to start personal and community initiatives for the care of the Common Home.

The Joint Diploma is aimed at students from the various pontifical faculties and higher institutes of religious sciences; members of the various religious orders and congregations; and priests from the diocese of Rome and beyond. The Joint Diploma is also open to catechists, pastoral workers in the various parishes, youth group leaders, volunteers, social and cultural workers, intercultural and communication mediators, and those interested in growing in awareness of caring for the Common Home. A Bachelor’s degree or even a High School Diploma is required.

The congregation, which has joined the Laudato Si’ Movement, promotes, through the International Integral Ecology Laboratory (LIEI), participation in this training.