The Archdiocese of San Antonio announced in a press release July 26 that, “In response to an invitation from Pope Francis, the archdiocese has announced its commitment to join the international Laudato Si’ Action Platform, which originates from the 2015 encyclical from the Holy Father on Care for Our Common Home.”
The decision is part of the Archdiocese’s core endeavor to walk alongside the poor and vulnerable in the community. The plan, signed by Archbishop Gustavo Garcia-Siller, MSpS, is designed to follow the seven goals of the Laudato Si’ Action Platform:
- Response to the Cry of the Earth
- Response to the Cry of the Poor
- Ecological Economics
- Adoption of Sustainable Lifestyles
- Ecological Education
- Ecological Spirituality and
- Community Resilience and Empowerment
This environmental commitment brings “a new depth and breadth” to their ongoing efforts to care for the most vulnerable while responding to the pope’s plea in his encyclical.
Archbishop Garcia-Siller signed the commitment documents Sunday, July 28, in Spanish at the 8 a.m. Mass and in English at the 10 a.m. liturgy at San Fernando Cathedral at 115 Main Plaza.
“Our planet is a gift from God, entrusted to us to steward with love and care. The call to protect
our common home is not merely an environmental issue, but a spiritual and moral imperative,”
Archbishop Garcia-Siller said in his homily. “By adopting renewable energies, protecting biodiversity, and promoting sustainable agriculture, we participate in the divine act of creation, sustaining life as God intended. When we see the beauty of creation, we see a reflection of the Creator’s glory.”
Archbishop Garcia-Siller went on to elaborate that environmental justice serves as a reminder that the well being of the planet is connected to the well being of humanity — especially for the most vulnerable.
“Our economy must serve the common good, respecting the limits of nature,” he said.
