HONG KONG (SE): To commemorate the 10th anniversary of Pope Francis’ groundbreaking encyclical, Laudato Si’, the Diocesan Commission for Integral Human Development initiated a series of events aimed at enhancing understanding and awareness of the first papal encyclical to focus on care for creation as a central obligation.
Collaborating with Protestant denominations and parish organisations, the initiative addresses the growing environmental crises of our times by reinforcing the message of care and stewardship for our planet.
Debby Chan, a project officer with the commission, emphasised the continued relevance of Laudato Si’, noting that even a decade after its release, many individuals still lack a thorough understanding of its principles and implications.
“Ten years is a significant period,” she remarked, highlighting the need for a renewed engagement with the encyclical. The educational series offers participants the opportunity to explore its insights, reconnect with their faith, and find inspiration for taking action in their communities.
The series comprises a diverse range of activities designed to foster ecological stewardship. These include informative talks focused on integral ecology, which encourage discussions about actionable steps individuals can take to promote environmental sustainability within their own communities.
This initiative aims to inform participants about the environmental challenges exacerbated by extreme weather and heavy rainfall, including fallen tree branches and blocked waterways
Additionally, a film screening and seminar tackled pressing issues of environmental justice, inviting participants to consider their roles in advocating for a healthier planet.
The series culminates with a community-oriented outdoor Mass at Clearwater Bay Country Park on September 7, celebrated by Cardinal Stephen Chow, S.J. The Mass will use the Vatican’s recently released liturgy for the Care of Creation in Chinese and will be the first open outdoor Mass for the Season of Creation.
In alignment with the Jubilee Year celebrations, the commission has also planned a cleanup session during a pilgrimage at Our Lady of Joy Abbey in Lantau.
This initiative aims to inform participants about the environmental challenges exacerbated by extreme weather and heavy rainfall, including fallen tree branches and blocked waterways.
Chan emphasised the importance of extending ecological stewardship to encompass social justice, particularly for vulnerable populations, such as outdoor workers, who often endure harsh conditions while contributing to community well-being.
The Mass will use the Vatican’s recently released liturgy for the Care of Creation in Chinese and will be the first open outdoor Mass for the Season of Creation
The commission has also introduced an ambassador programme inviting people from different parishes to participate in a formation day, a retreat camp, and various activities to build skills and strengthen relationships among participants.
This year, the commission strengthened partnerships with six parishes that have established environmental groups, including Holy Cross Church, St. Bonaventure Church, St. John’s Church, St. Thomas the Apostle Church, St. Andrew’s Church, and the parish of the Cathedral of the Immaculate Conception, which has been cooperating with them in organising different events. Going forward, the commission plans to meet regularly with these parishes for mutual support.
Among the events in July was a visit to a recycling plant organised in collaboration with St. Andrew’s parish. This workshop aimed to highlight the importance of treating all of God’s creation as a gift and to encourage reuse and recycling.
According to a representative from the recycling facility, one of the main challenges of the industry is that contaminated recyclable materials can render entire batches unusable.
According to a representative from the recycling facility, one of the main challenges of the industry is that contaminated recyclable materials can render entire batches unusable
Furthermore, he noted the staggering volume of waste generated from paper beverage cartons in Hong Kong, emphasising that the facility can process only a fraction—less than five per cent—of the daily such waste produced.
To enhance its educational outreach, the commission has also launched the Earth Cube, a creative tool designed to reflect the six focal points of Laudato Si’: viewing creation as a gift, prioritising thoughtful consumption, seeking eco-friendly products, advocating for a simpler lifestyle, cultivating joy, and taking immediate actions.
Participants are encouraged to roll the dice each morning, allowing a theme to guide their environmental focus for the day, thereby fostering a culture of sustainable living.
