MARFAM WEEKLY E-NEWSLETTER 21 MAY 20225
Just before the start of LAUDATO SI WEEK from 24 – 31 May and after that the Week of Prayer for Christian Unity leading up to Pentecost, the world is commemorating INTERNATIONAL DAY FOR BIOLOGICAL DIVERSITY on May 22, Its theme is “Harmony with nature and sustainable development”.https://www.unep.org/events/un-day/international-day-biological-diversity-2025
Ever since 1992 biodiversity loss has been on the world’s agenda and In 2015 in LAUDATO SI, Pope Francis addressed the issue in a big way. It is an enormous problem, from the time of the beginning of the industrial revolution, and for which humans are largely responsible. Nevertheless the topic of biodiversity is much more than loss. Biodiversity is central to the whole of creation, affects every creature from the tiny ant to the largest baobab tree as well as the whole complex issue of land and sea, the seasons and how they are changing. In fact St Francis in his Canticle of Praise, praises God for creation, for wind and water without even mentioning the animate creatures who inhabit our earth all being aspects of biodiversity too.
But the celebration of diversity has taken a backseat to the issue of loss, and as usual there are many situations to blame and many initiatives in the pipeline – literarily. Too many pipelines, including the prospective East Africa oil pipeline which would carry oil across the continent, are largely responsible. Forests and woodlands, bird and animal species are disappearing. As the UN Secretary general notes in his statement “humanity is destroying biodiversity at a lightening pace – the result of pollution, climate crisis, ecosystem destruction, and – ultimately – short-term interests fuelling the unsustainable use of our natural world.” He calls on governments to formulate action plans for sustainable development and provide the finances, leading up to the landmark year of 2030. And it means countries delivering National Biodiversity Strategies and Action Plans to address inequality, advance sustainable development, respect traditional knowledge, and empower women, girls, Indigenous people and more. The International Day of Families commemorated on 15 May had a similar, family-orientated, message.
But is all that possible and is it working? Where are the priorities? Where is the money coming from in our crazy mixed up world and who is manipulating the world economies?
Are we not all responsible? In his Jubilee Year letter Pope Francis does recognize the importance of governments to be our leaders, guardians and protectors. He called on everyone to be Pilgrims of Hope, to become Signs of Hope. We are all responsible for something as intricate and essential as contributing, either to the destruction or the construction of our world, God’s world. Are we building walls or bridges, are we seeking peace or waging war? Pope Francis set it out back in 2015 and little has been done that is effective enough. Pope Leo XIV already speaks of action beyond words.
Water is in short supply in our city of Johannesburg. The call is not only to the city but to every citizen and every family to cut their water usage by 20%. Doing so would be taking action to protect and provide sustainable development and it can and should begin at home, beginning with baby steps or the stumbling steps of the elderly, or the confident strides on the treadmills of life, plugged into artificial bells and whistles of the media, rather than the gentle mood music of birdsong in a nature reserve.
So I revisited the Pilanesberg National Park in my mind and smiled at the interview with a field guide speaking simply about the families of creation, the beauties of bird life, the inaudible messaging of trees and the many, many ways of the wild.
On the occasion of Biodiversity Day we can reflect on our negative and positive roles and also celebrate life and its beauty as Laudato Si suggests in its 10th anniversary message of “Raising Hope.” Living in harmony with nature can be our path through Becoming Eco-friendly Families on all levels. Together let’s take this path as Pope Leo encourages us to do “in unity and love.” Otherwise, as Pope Francis would have it, “Because of us, thousands of species will no longer give glory to God by their very existence, nor convey their message to us. We have no such right. LS 33 TR FAMILY WEEKLY 21.5.25
MARFAM RESOURCES and a List of suggestions for families for Laudato si week. The full set can be obtained from MARFAM.
MARFAM provides suggestions, resources and a focus for families and parishes on Becoming Eco-Friendly Families. Parishes can promote and organise family-centred Laudato Si week activities, by the Family Life or Justice and Peace office. Booklets for discussion, sharing and action. www.marfam.org.za info#@marfam.org.za and Toni Rowland 0825521275.
FAMILIES CARING FOR GOD’S CREATION. R25
BECOMING ECO-FRIENDLY FAMILIES R25.
ACTION SUGGESTIONS FOR LAUDATO SI WEEK.
*Use Laudato Si document for study and reflection, (freely downloadable)
*Set up family discussion, sharing and prayer moments, to “raise hope” theme for the week.
*Parish homily and talk about saving and avoiding waste – money, food, water, power, recycling. Choose action.
*Family fast or meatless day, provide a meal to poor, beggar or homeless family.
*Go green – grow green. Start vegetable garden, plant indigenous tree. Discover edible plants
*Family talk walk or hike – listen to the cry of the earth.
*Clean up activity, home, neighbourhood, river.
*Become civic-minded, advocate, promote, act, support community projects.
*Discuss current, relevant issues around poverty and consider possible action of each family member.
*Be creative, enjoy beauty – knit, sew, cook, bake, view art and beauty in nature.
THOUGHT FOR THE DAY 21 MAY 2025
May 21. It seemed to the parish family team that almost everywhere there were differences in religious traditions and practice in families. Most couples marry a partner belonging to another church, either a mainline church or a Pentecostal or African independent church. Christians marry Hindu, Jewish, or Muslim partners. Within one religion and one family there are also differences in practice and beliefs. Devotion to Mary and the rosary, different types of worship or music, acceptance of teaching on contraception and Mass attendance are some differences that the team realized couples should be encouraged to discuss from the start and over time with their children. Jason asked, “Was it always like this amongst us human families or is this non-conformist attitude more recent? There is surely more conformity in nature, where attitudes do not seem to play such a strong role.”
Reflect, share and act. Scripture. . Some men came down from Judea and were teaching, “unless you are circumcised according to the custom of Moses, you cannot be saved.” Paul and Barnabas were appointed to go up to Jerusalem about this question. Acts 15:1-6. Pope Francis: Marriages involving spouses of different religions present special difficulties regarding both the Christian identity of the family and the religious upbringing of children. We reiterate the necessity that the religious freedom of all must be respected. AL 248. Human beings cannot be expected to feel responsibility for the world unless at the same time their unique capacities of knowledge, will, freedom and responsibility are recognized and valued. LS 118. JUBILEE. “In every age, the Church has the responsibility of reading the signs of the times and interpreting them in the light of the Gospel. In this way, in language adapted to every generation, she can respond to people’s persistent questions about the meaning of this present life and of the life to come, and how one is related to the other”. VII. We need to recognize the immense goodness present in our world, lest we be tempted to think ourselves overwhelmed by evil and violence. The signs of the times, which include the yearning of human hearts in need of God’s saving presence, ought to become signs of hope. Pray. Mary, mother of peace, calling us to overcome difficulties, pray for us.
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