Haledon (United States). In light of the commitment of the Institute of the Daughters of Mary Help of Christians to contribute to a sustainable future and to care for creation, as indicated by Pope Francis in the Encyclical Letter Laudato Si’, on 19 September 2022, St. Joseph Province (SEC) launched the Laudato Si’ micro-contributions for the ecological projects carried out by the students of the various sectors of the Province. Each community could apply for two projects, up to $500 each.
The contributions of the SEC Province gave young people the opportunity to measure themselves in service and to commit themselves to sustainable change in their daily reality. This project inspired others to take action as well. “Thanks to our school garden project, my mother wants to start her own garden,” said Valeria, an eighth-grade student at the FMA Corpus Christi-Holy Rosary School (CCHRS) in Port Chester, New York.
Valeria is one of 30 middle school students who belong to the CCHRS Kiwanis Builders Club, who received one of the micro grants to purchase a mini-greenhouse and raised garden beds. The FMA Community is sharing its courtyard for the Club’s garden, which will grow products for the local food pantry.
Other actions of the Province to promote Laudato Si’ concern the integration of the 7 Laudato Si’ objectives in the pastoral plans of the Schools and the registration of SEC Communities on the Laudato Si’ Action Platform of the Dicastery for Promoting Integral Human Development, to assess your carbon footprint and develop an action plan to contribute to a more sustainable future.
“These small steps taken by each Community are certainly raising awareness among the young people and the FMA in trying to be a ‘life-generating presence’,” said the Provincial, Sr. Joanne Holloman.
