The Bishop of Gozo Mgr Anton Teuma, in his concluding message for Laudato Si’ Week, refers to the words of Pope Francis when he ”entreats us to an ecological conversion (LS, 216). This process should lead us to a spirit of generous care, full of tenderness” (LS, 220).

Bishop Teuma said that ”among these generous gestures on our island we should seek to: • Respect the regulations of waste separation. • Make more use of public transport. • Care for water which is increasingly becoming an endangered resource on our island. • Judicious use of electricity particularly when it comes to air conditioners. • Speak out against unsustainable ‘development’ on our islands. • Keep streets, public spaces and the sea unlittered; and • Curb useless spending.

The message from Bishop Teuma is shown in full below:

”On an annual basis, towards the end of May, a Laudato Si’ Week is organised with a specific focus on Pope Francis’ Encyclical Letter bearing the same name Laudato Si’ “on care for our common home,” published nine years ago, as well as related documents issued subsequently.

Pope Francis is a front-liner when it comes to spotlighting the very serious crisis which characterises our world as a result of the climate change which has been intentionally brought about and the ensuing disastrous consequences involving lasting hardship for all.

These consequences do not only affect the natural systems, but also the human race. There are no more lingering doubts as to the veracity of this phenomenon. Science attests in no uncertain terms as to its reality. Many fear that we have reached a point of no return.

Pope Francis addresses his concerns regarding the progressive destruction of the environment caused by the climate change to each and every one – irrespective of race, religion and sundry distinctions. But he is rightly addressing us as Christians and Catholics fuelled by the hope that we stand up to be counted when it comes to commit ourselves to ensure that regarding our ‘common home’ the damage done be contained as much as possible and the trend reversed.

His Holiness reminds us we are called to be enlightened by the principles of the Gospel that what is happening to the environment around us is of primary importance to the Christian’s faith. With proper reflection it becomes evident that the damage done to our ‘common home’ and the irresponsible squandering of the natural resources stem from sin – particularly greed, pride, individualism, and egoism. Those who feel most the brunt of this tragic situation are the poor and vulnerable across the world. They are the worst hit.

By the grace of God there are Catholics, also in the local Church, who have taken the Pope’s concerns seriously. Unfortunately, there are also others who not only have shown total disregard for the Pope’s teachings, but who also try to assuage their conscience by convincing themselves that the protection of the environment is not their duty as baptised Catholics. The fact is that if we want to live out our faith as Christians, we are in duty bound to put in practice the Church’s proposals in this regard.

His Holiness, not without a heavy heart, states that “eight years have passed since I published the Encyclical Letter Laudato Si’, when I wanted to share with all of you, my brothers and sisters of our suffering planet, my heartfelt concerns about the care of our common home. Yet, with the passage of time, I have realised that our responses have not been adequate, while the world in which we live is collapsing and may be nearing the breaking point.” (LD, 2).

His Holiness entreats us to an ecological conversion (LS, 216). This process should lead us to “a spirit of generous care, full of tenderness” (LS, 220). Among these generous gestures on our island we should seek to:

• Respect the regulations of waste separation.

• Make more use of public transport.

• Care for water which is increasingly becoming an endangered resource on our island. • Judicious use of electricity particularly when it comes to air conditioners.

• Speak out against unsustainable ‘development’ on our islands.

• Keep streets, public spaces and the sea unlittered.

• Curb useless spending.

His Holiness’ counsel that “we must regain the conviction that we need one another, that we have a shared responsibility for others and the world, and that being good and decent are worth it” (LS, 229) is indeed timely!

I entreat you to join me at the conclusion of this week of Pentecost to pray to the Holy Spirit to continue enlightening Pope Francis in his mission for the benefit of humanity, and to enlighten us so that in all our actions – each in their capability – we take care of our common home and our common resources. In this manner we would be offering thanks to God for all the gifts he has provided us with and share them with our brethren as children of the same God.”

Mgr Edward Zammit Chancellor

+ Anton Teuma Bishop of Gozo

File photo

Permalink: Gozo Bishop highlights the need to take care of our ”common home and common resources”