Last September at the wonderful 1500s charterhouse in Avigliana, we participated in a formation course entitled “The cry of the earth, the cry of poor”. The course was presented by “Casacomune” (Common house) of the Abele Group, a non profit organization headed by father Luigi Ciotti. The organization is dedicated to the scientific, cultural and ethical promotion of the values expressed in Pope Francis’ encyclical, Laudato Si’.

As father Luigi Ciotti, founder of the Abele Group, describes it, “The aim of Casacomune is to be a place of rest and contemplation, to provide a continual path toward acting together for a change that cannot be postponed any longer."
Thanks to efforts of some specialists to deepen our understanding of the different themes (biodiversity, climate change, migratory phenomena, food chain), time was given to reflection, information and education on the various circumstances causing dramatic changes for nature as a whole and thus the whole human family.

Some starting points for reflection on lifestyles that can enhance these efforts were based the search for ways to intervene and the development of relationships that enable us to live while we guard and protect our Mother Earth -- our Common House as Pope Francis calls it.
Father Luigi Ciotti emphasized that: “Today, the analysis of environmental problems is inseparable from the analysis of human, family, work, urban contexts, and the relationship of each person with him or herself, which generates a certain way of relating to others and to the environment. We live in a complex and extraordinarily connected reality in which every choice (professional or private, as consumer or in our lifestyle) has an impact that goes far beyond the boundaries of personal experience. But we struggle to measure this impact. We often have a fragmented vision, which on the one hand makes us less responsible and on the other makes us feel powerless in the face of the great challenges of the present".

Sr. Mariapia shared the following thoughts: “I have long wanted to deepen my understanding of Pope Francis’ encyclical, LAUDATO SI. Participating in the Seminar at the Common House not only gave me this opportunity, but also offered me an opportunity to grasp, with an intensity I’ve never experienced before, the profound and dramatic correlation between climate change, migration, impoverishment of peoples and territories, and the triggering of new conflicts of war.

“One of the most beautiful things about the Seminar was sharing it with truly extraordinary companions: priests opposing the mafia, the young people of the FRIDAY for FUTURE movement, Sisters of other Congregations and various friends all engaged in this common battle."
Sr. Monica said: “As a woman, and an SFP, I feel the importance of reflecting on these issues. This seminar showed me, in an incontrovertible way, that we are more and more interconnected, and that every single action has an impact on everything. Each of us, personally, are sources of care and change".

Sr. Loredana noted: “The course impressed me with its explanation of how environmental problems intertwine with the phenomenon of 'climate refugees.' More and more people find themselves forced to leave their land because of climate change: people who suffer from a condition not yet recognized in the international protection system. Western countries are the main destinations for climate refugees even though, at the same time, they are among those responsible for this problem through their indiscriminate exploitation of the natural resources of the poorest countries."

We returned with great gratitude to Sr. Wilma who had suggested that we attend it. The awareness that everything we heard is in accord with the Chapter Direction and Calls impelled us to share what we experienced with our communities, and in all the Committees of which we are a part. We are sure that this will generate care for the common good.

Sr. Loredana Giugliano, Sr. Monica Stasi and Sr. Mariapia Iammarino, Sfp

Published: February 3, 2020