.png "The voices of the four representatives of the Earth of \"La Lettera\" arrive in Florence with CADIS")
The evocative and very central Church of Santa Maria Maggiore in Florence opened its doors to CADIS International on Sunday, April 21, for the new stop of the screening of the film inspired by Pope Francis' Encyclical Laudato Si', "The Letter: A Message for the Earth".
The manifesto for integral ecology and the urgent appeal to counter the effects of climate change echoed through the journey of the four representatives of the earth to Rome.
The voices of the poor, the youth, indigenous communities, and science for wildlife met for the first time in the presence of Pope Francis, to establish a serious and concrete dialogue on the effects that environmental disasters are causing in every corner of the earth and the need to intervene. Science has the tools, but they are not enough on their own. And so, the meeting between science and faith becomes the turning point to reverse the course of the effects of climate change.
Step by step, the appeal becomes more urgent because the environmental disasters caused by climate change and, therefore, by humans, are increasingly frequent and destructive.
Just a few days ago, Dubai and the surrounding area were hit by a very violent and unexpected flood. In just a few hours, the amount of water expected for two years fell. The cause? "The enormous rainfall was instead probably due to a normal weather system that was exacerbated by climate change, experts say". (Read here: https://www.reuters.com/world/middle-east/what-caused-storm-that-brought-dubai-standstill-2024-04-17/ )
Several faithful in Florence accepted the invitation of CADIS International and the Camillians and attended the screening of the film and animated the final reflection guided by Fr. Aris Miranda, CADIS Director.
Paraphrasing the words of Pope Francis in the Encyclical Laudato Si’, Fr. Aris Miranda began the reflection as follows:
“We are not separate from the planet we share with other forms of life; we are intimately connected to it and therefore we are also responsible for its care. This truth must be recognized to face the challenges of this critical moment in history. What is at stake is nothing less than our children's right to a safe climate, to clean water and air, to sufficient food, to physical security, and to the wonders of a planet rich in life.
We cannot overcome the double crisis of climate change and biodiversity loss, nor pollution, resource degradation, poverty, and injustice, without transforming outdated models of behavior, culture, and economy. We must overcome a relationship of exploitation with our planet and move to a relationship based on stewardship and care. Although such transformation has already begun, the seriousness of the situation requires more incisive action.
People and communities must come together to ensure that those who make decisions and hold the greatest responsibilities and power understand that action on these issues is a priority for the people they serve, and that they are held accountable. As much as this is a time of crisis, it is also a time of opportunity: we can renew our relationship with the planet so that we not only sustain ourselves, but also thrive and flourish.”
Words that moved the souls of those present who, in turn, shared support for the cause, but also concern. “How can we, alone, bring about change?”
Starting from within our own homes, converting our daily actions in favor of more ecological behaviors.
Acting in small ways while thinking big: if each of us does our duty, overall there will be a great impact. Change always starts from an individual. And that “individual” is each of us.
