The day was dedicated to the psychosocial and spiritual-pastoral approach to disaster management, led by Dr. Consuelo Santamaria, a lecturer in Master's programs at the Center for the Humanization of Health in Spain, specialized in grief support and counseling.
The doctor investigates the internal characteristics of spirituality, historical spirituality and Christian meaning, and the three levels of humility: accepting everything not out of submission but out of love, gentleness, which is the refinement of love, and the madness of love which means loving without limits.
Delving into Camillian spirituality - accompanying those who suffer, Dr. Consuelo retraced the life of St. Camillus de Lellis with a focus on the sufferings and feelings experienced during his journey of conversion.
During the afternoon sessions we learned to develop the inner attitude and to work from the perspective of disaster pastoral care. We thoroughly analyzed issues related to the spirituality of disaster victims. Listening more than speaking, embracing the spirituality of each individual to better respond to needs that are not only material but also spiritual.
The last part of the fourth day was dedicated to sharing the activities of the Laudato Si' Action Platform (LSAP) from the Philippines. Dr. Grace Molina shared the activities carried out in the city of Cebu with grassroots communities. She also shared their future plans to reach and organize other communities.
Also from the Philippines, we heard about the commitment of CTF Philippines to promote the LSAP through Almar Roman, MI. Their main activity is assisting the population affected by natural disasters such as typhoons. Following the objectives of the LSAP, CTF Philippines has implemented many programs for the care of Creation involving the local population.
From Benin, Michel Coulibaly, MI, shared a video of the collaboration he is cultivating with the Rastafarian ethnic group of Benin who for years moved to the United States and have now returned to their homeland in Africa. They are dedicated to agriculture and the preservation of natural knowledge and the care of creation, living respectfully and in harmony with the natural environment.
We then moved to Indonesia with the testimony of Alfons Oles, MI, who presented the production of the fertilizer “Eco Enzyme,” developed by a Thai organic farmer. It is the result of the fermentation of organic materials and is easy to make. He explained how to make and use it, a truly versatile mixture, easy and inexpensive to produce.
Kriengkrai Sukjit, MI, and Rocco Sriprasert, MI, of CADIS Thailand, presented the activities carried out during the year in collaboration with other Dioceses and communities: supporting change, sharing awareness. They regularly organize meetings and sustainability actions.
Burkina Faso is also committed to Laudato Si', as shown by Pascal Bakorba, MI. A camp was organized to show students and young people the activities of CADIS Burkina Faso. Their activities focused on assisting patients affected by viral diseases and helping people affected by natural disasters.
Finally, CADIS Tanzania, represented by Goodluck Pandula, MI, has recently obtained the official registration of the organization in the country, although it has been active for years. Their activities focus on resilience and emergency response. One of the latest interventions was in support of the population affected by the flood in Rufiji.
