“The human environment and the natural environment deteriorate together; we cannot adequately combat environment degradation unless we attend to causes related to human and social degradation. . . . The gravest effects . . . on the environment are suffered by the poorest.”
Laudato Si’, #48
The Sisters of the Holy Names of Jesus and Mary (SNJM) have responded to Pope Francis’ call in his work Laudato Si’. Already sensitive to issues related to the environment and justice, the SNJMs are interested in the integral ecology approach put forward by the Pope. This requires a holistic understanding of the various crises, demonstrating that “everything is interconnected.”
It is in this spirit that the orientations of previous General Chapters (the equivalent of congresses or general assemblies) of the Congregation invite us to multiply our actions in solidarity.
These actions on an individual or collective basis take the form of
- Support for people and groups who work to care for the Earth, our common home
- Analysis and denunciation of global economic issues that have the effect of dehumanizing and destroying the Earth
- dehumanization and destruction of the Earth
- A revision of our ways of doing things to reduce our own negative impact on the Earth
- A systematic integration of the ecological perspective in our educational and awareness programs
To address the specific water issue in Lesotho that affects food production and the health of the nation, SNJMs are also committed to continuing its partnership with the NGO Trasformation Resource Centre to educate and help people advocate for their rights, particularly in relation to the construction of dams in that country. Financial support continues to be provided to counteract the devastating effects of famine in the country.
In all of this, the SNJMs works with many partners in the respective parishes, regions, countries and even on a global level with the International Union of Major Superiors (UISG). Many tools are offered to inform oneself and contribute to concrete actions in each living environment.
