FAITH MATTERS
MR NATHAN LANE - DEPUTY PRINCIPAL: TEACHING & LEARNING
2022 World Environment Day
World Environment Day has been held annually since 1974 and is celebrated each year on the 5th of June. It is led by the United Nations Environment Programme (UNEP) and is a reminder of the importance of nature for our existence.
This year the theme is celebrating #OnlyOneEarth. We are encouraged to celebrate the planet through collective environmental action and advocating for transformative environmental change on a global scale.
World Environment Day occurs shortly after Laudato Si’ Week which was held in Australia from 16 May to 24 May. Pope Francis’ environmental encyclical, Laudato Si’, focuses on a number of themes in Catholic Social Teaching, in particular the care for our common home. During this week, we are invited to learn, pray and take action all for the sake of God’s creation. In Laudato Si’, Pope Francis says, “Once we start to think about the kind of world we are leaving to future generations, we look at things differently; we realise that the world is a gift which we have freely received and must share with others…the world we have received also belongs to those who will follow us.” (Pope Francis, 2015, #158)
On World Environment Day, we pray:
Originator of all creation, you made a world full of beauty, an infinite expression of your glory and love for all.
Let us not forget the gift we have been given, that we may continue to act as guardians and stewards of all your creation.
Fill us with awe and wonder today and each day as we behold your infinite creativity. Give us the courage and strength to view and engage our environment as the sacred space it is and to work to protect it from corruption and exploitation.
May we view all you have created with reverence and admiration, that we may be reminded of your constant presence in our midst.
As we walk each day, let us remember all those who have come before and walked these same lands.
We must not forget that what we have been given is not only for us, but for the generations to come. Let us cultivate a world teeming with life, where a safe enriching environment is abundant enough for all, that God's love and glory may shine through for generations to come.
In your name we pray, Amen.
(Source: https://www.chausa.org/prayers/cha-prayer-library/prayer/world-environment-day---june-5)
We are truly blessed to live in a beautiful part of Victoria, where abundant nature surrounds us. I will never tire of walking along the beautiful Murray River and appreciating the wonderful scenery. May we care for our environment so future generations can enjoy what God has created for us.
For further information, please go to: https://laudatosiweek.org/what-is-laudato-si-week/