Action for Ecological Justice – Loreto Justice Network 

In accordance with the Loreto commitment to working for ecological justice, the Loreto Justice Network has accepted the invitation of the Laudato Si Action Platform to create a Laudato Si’ (LS’) Action Plan. The invitation to create such a plan is one way the LS’ Action Platform encourages organisations, schools and religious groups to further their journey towards total sustainability in the spirit of integral ecology. The Loreto Justice Network (LJN) was proud to launch its LJN Laudato Si’ Action Plan and hopes that it will encourage Loreto communities to continue to reflect on how they answer the call “to live sustainably, discerning what is enough.” (IBVM GC Call 2014; reiterated at IBVM GC 2022). 

The intention of this Action Plan is to support all Loreto communities to consider what they can do to respond to the cry of the earth; what practical steps can we all take, as Mary Ward people, to work for ecological justice and develop sustainable practices in our daily lives. When we remember that “everything in creation is interconnected” (LS’ 138), we are prompted to ask ourselves: what do we do, and what CAN we do, in our daily lives to protect our common home for the wellbeing of all? This Action Plan identifies concrete actions we can take individually and as communities to work for ecological justice. 

Recently the LJN hosted a Season of Creation webinar for Loreto Sisters. The LJN’s Laudato Si’ Action Plan was launched at this event, which gave the Sisters the opportunity to pray together, to reflect on the Action Plan, to learn about what our schools are doing in accordance with the Loreto commitment to ecological justice, and to reflect on what we do and what we can do in our daily lives to respond to the cry of the earth. Feedback from the Sisters included: 

“It was really inspiring to listen to all those students.” 

“I was sorry it had to end! … I am confident that the dividends for us and the wider Loreto community will be enormous.” 

“I felt energised and happy as a result of this Zoom. If these young people can do so much, what can I/we do.” 

If you are interested to view the webinar (edited to approx. 30mins), it can the accessed here. Alternatively, you can view the videos included in the webinar that were created from school submissions at these links: Environmental Projects and What Can I Do?   

We encourage each person to join with the global Mary Ward network in urgent action to protect our common home; to network and collaborate as stewards in the care of creation, each according to their own culture, experience and talents (LS’ 14). It is not envisioned that responses will be uniform; on the contrary, responses must reflect our diversity. May our actions to answer the cry of the earth and the cry of the poor discern the signs of the times and creatively answer the needs around us.  

You can access the Loreto Justice Network’s Laudato Si’ Action Plan here.
Click here to read more about the Loreto Justice Network’s Laudato Si’ Action Plan.

Author: Carolyn Young, Loreto Justice Network

SUBSCRIBE TO RECEIVE THE LATEST UPDATES