Newsletter 1: 4 February 2020
If the simple fact of being human moves people to care for the environment of which they are a part, Christians in their turn “realize that their responsibility within creation, and their duty towards nature and the Creator, are an essential part of their faith” Laudato Si Pope Francis
It is hard to recall commencing a school year with such a pall of widespread calamity. The ongoing drought and bushfire crises have impacted families and communities across the country and the recent developments with the deadly new coronavirus have in the last week swamped the media. Such has been the intensity of disaster coverage, some mental health professionals have advised people to moderate their exposure to the 24 hour news feed.
In light of the drought and bushfire crises, national attention to the degradation of the environment has been arrested like never before. It is timely to reflect and draw upon Pope Francis’ seminal Encyclical Laudato Si, in which he explores in detail the devastation of the natural world in the past 200 years. The Encyclical invites Christians to consider a host of relevant themes, including that an essential part of our Faith is care for the environment God has gifted us. Also, importantly Pope Francis enunciates new perspectives on Catholic Social Teaching, by emphasising the environment is our common home and the climate, for our common good. Ultimately, Laudato Si (Praise be to you) is a statement of hope in that it urges dialogue between all people of good will, believers and non-believers, theologians and scientists, in pursuit of actions at a global and personal level, urgently attentive to the environment and our brothers and sisters most vulnerable to the changes we are experiencing.
As Marist educators we are consistently challenged to be voices of hope with our young people, and particularly in times of crisis. The start to the new school year is a time to amplify hope as we welcome students to the new academic year and all it promises. On a morning last week, when the airwaves were again replete with bushfire warnings, the devastation of the drought and the global risks of the spreading fatal contagion, I was privileged to be a guest at the Saint Gregory’s College Campbelltown High Achievers Assembly, during which the students who excelled in the 2019 NSW HSC were recognised. Like many similar occasions in our Marist schools throughout Australia, the sense of optimism among the recent and present students was tangible. Sitting among this close-knit community, the hours of care, love, guidance, teaching, and support afforded these fine young people was acknowledged in word and attitude. As each young man quietly shared his hopes for the next chapter of life, their preparedness and enthusiasm were evident.
This Friday Marists across the nation are invited, in a spirit of hope, and solidarity, to contribute to the Saint Vincent de Paul Bushfire Appeal. Details previously sent to schools are included in this newsletter. Please give generously. The need is great.