Rome (Italy). On 22 April 2026, the 56th International Mother Earth Day is celebrated, established by the UN in 1970 to foster collective ecological awareness for a sustainable future for the new generations, calling upon governments and every individual to reflect on the impact of their actions on the environment.
Within the framework of the 2026 Earth Day celebrations, under the motto “Our Power, Our Planet”, the Institute of the Daughters of Mary Help of Christians joins the global reflection on the care of our common home, mindful of the ethical and educational significance of this Day regarding environmental protection.
This motto serves as a reminder that every individual, every community, and every institution possesses a real “power” to influence the destiny of the planet through active participation and in alignment with the values that give meaning to the educational and evangelizing mission. The charismatic legacy of Don Bosco and Mother Mazzarello teaches that educating young people to respect creation means sowing hope for a more just and sustainable future.
The reflection proposed by the world organization EarthDay.org highlights how the collective action of citizens has historically been decisive in achieving progress in air quality, access to drinking water, and ecosystem stability.
This observation aligns with the Salesian educational experience. When young people become protagonists, when they are listened to and formed to act responsibly, they transform into agents of change capable of improving their own environment.
For this reason, in Schools, Youth Centers, and within Educating Communities, the Daughters of Mary Help of Christians are called to promote local initiatives that reinforce institutional measures, such as waste reduction, conscious use of energy, cleaning of common spaces, and restoration of small ecosystems. These actions, simple yet significant, not only safeguard the planet but also foster an appreciation for the value of the common good and shared responsibility.
Earth Day 2026 issues a special call to exercise one’s “power” as a citizen to defend the environmental laws and regulations that safeguard human health and the ecological balance of our territories. In a global context where political priorities shift rapidly and economic pressures threaten to undermine regulatory frameworks, informed and peaceful community participation is more necessary than ever.
The Salesian perspective on integral education carries with it the conviction that the defense of creation is also the defense of life, particularly that of the most vulnerable, who are invariably the first to suffer the consequences of environmental degradation. For this reason, it is essential that Educating Communities participate in communal reflections, assemblies, and awareness-raising initiatives that enable the tailoring of environmental solutions to the specific needs and concrete circumstances of local realities.
Another fundamental pillar of this Day is climate and environmental literacy, understood as the capacity to comprehend ecological challenges and to act accordingly. Environmental education not only shapes conscientious citizens but also prepares future generations for the “green jobs” of tomorrow, while simultaneously strengthening community resilience. In keeping with the Salesian educational tradition, which has consistently demonstrated the ability to discern the signs of the times, the FMA are called to increasingly integrate into their curricular and pastoral projects reflections on the care of our common home, the circular economy, the reduction of superfluous plastics, and the appreciation of natural resources as gifts from God entrusted to our personal and collective responsibility.
Finally, the invitation to participate in peaceful marches, cleanup days, and reforestation efforts serves as a reminder that the “power” of citizens is expressed in various ways, all of which are valid when aimed at the common good and respect for life. Every small gesture of care toward the Earth is an act of love toward the Creator and toward our brothers and sisters, especially those most in need.
Educating Communities are therefore invited to celebrate Earth Week—from 18 to 22 April 2026—by organizing activities within their own settings that promote active participation, intergenerational dialogue, and prayers of thanksgiving for the gift of creation.
You can register the event you are organizing for Earth Day on the dedicated page of the EarthDay website.
