Your 2024 Dream for Ecology!
As a Salesian how can we instill care for our planet? Don Bosco used to take his boys regularly on treks and nature trails. He loved nature and in his early childhood years worked on the farm. Jesus and our blessed Mother spoke to him in his dreams using different animals of nature. We see a deep connection with nature and creation in all his works from care for his poor boys, to taking them on nature treks and spending time outdoors. Don Bosco understood that we are not just part of creation but are one with the Creator and creation.
How can we then go forward with benevolence and without doubt that all created things come from God and must go back to Him for His praise, reverence and service. We must value all the gifts and carry gratitude in our hearts for all God’s creation and the created things we have received from his bounty. This is the attitude we must carry in every Salesian home. We must ask our beloved Blessed Mother to guide our efforts so that we can offer all our labour back to our creator who has bestowed all his blessings upon us.
We are an international collective of young people from Salesian Institutions & Organizations who are passionate about the welfare of our only planet.
The Letter
A message for our Earth
“We see what is happening, and the worst thing is that we are becoming used to it. This ‘becoming used to’ is a terrible illness.” – Pope Francis.
This documentary focuses on the encyclical letter ‘Laudato Si’ addressed to everyone that the Pope wrote in 2015. Today his message is even more urgent!
This film is presented by YouTube Originals, produced by an Oscar-winning Off The Fence Productions, in partnership with the Laudato Si’ Movement.
Featuring:
Pope Francis;
Cardinal Cantalamessa, the Preacher to the Papal Household;
Cacique Dadá, Leader of the Novo Lugar community of the Borarí people (Voice of the Indigenous)
Arouna Kandé, a climate refugee hailing from the Kolda region of Senegal (Voice of the Poor)
Ridhima Pandey, a young climate activist from Haridwar, Uttarakhand, India (Voice of the Youth)
Greg Asner and Robin Martin, marine biologists from Hawaii, United States of America (Voice of Wildlife)
Lorna Gold, president of Laudato Si’ Movement.
About Us
Don Bosco Green Alliance is an international Green Salesian Movement of people from the Salesian Family institutions, who contribute to global environmental action, thought and policy. Launched in 2018, the alliance is today an active platform where Salesian Family institutions, organisations and individuals exchange ideas and work together on global environmental campaigns all for the ‘Love of Creation.’ Read More...
Priority Areas
Member Activities & Contributions
Don Bosco School of Theology’s LSCET Course Receives International Recognition
In a significant stride towards environmental stewardship within the global community, the Don Bosco School of Theology (DBST) has garnered international recognition for its Laudato Si’ Certified Environmental Trainer (LSCET) course. This recognition comes as a result of the collaboration between DBST and the Joint Diploma Course in Integral Ecology, facilitated by the Gregorian Pontifical University and the Dicastery for Promoting Integral Human Development of the Vatican.
Fr. Francis Gustilo, DBST President and a prominent figure in environmental advocacy, was invited to present the LSCET to participants of the Joint Diploma Course in Integral Ecology on April 18, 2024. The course, attended by over 600 men and women from around the world, is dedicated to advancing the cause of caring for our common home.
The journey towards international recognition began when DBST initially presented the LSCET to the Dicastery for Promoting Integral Human Development in June 2023, just before the commencement of the first batch of LSCET participants. The endorsement received from the Dicastery underscores the effectiveness and significance of the LSCET program, signaling hope for its broader adoption among individuals seeking to become advocates for environmental sustainability and guardians of the Earth.
Don Bosco School of Theology’s LSCET Spearhead Coastal Cleanup at LPP-W
Don Bosco School of Theology (DBST), Philippines, recently organized a coastal cleanup at the Las Pinas-Paranaque Wetland Park (LPP-Wetland) on April 6, 2024. This significant event saw the active participation of 78 individuals, from the first to the third batch of DBST Laudato Si’ Certified Environmental Trainer (LSCET) program.
The coastal cleanup initiative forms an integral part of the curriculum of the LSCET program, designed to instill a deep sense of environmental consciousness and responsibility among its participants. Under the overarching theme of Pope Francis’ encyclical Laudato Si’, the ten-week course equips individuals with the knowledge and skills necessary to become effective advocates for environmental protection and sustainability.
Amidst the picturesque landscape of LPP-Wetland, participants engaged in a hands-on cleanup effort, meticulously removing debris and waste from the coastal areas. Their collective dedication and tireless efforts not only contributed to the immediate improvement of the environment but also served as a poignant reminder of the urgent need for environmental conservation.
Beyond the cleanup activities, participants had the opportunity to explore the rich biodiversity of the wetland park, which boasts one of the last protected mangrove ecosystems in Metro Manila. Guided by experienced environmental educators, they gained a deeper appreciation for the delicate balance of nature and the critical role that mangroves play in coastal ecosystems
Celebration of Earth Day at Don Bosco Kep
Kep City, Cambodia – April 2024 – The theme of Mother Earth and her struggles is very much at the heart of Don Bosco Kep. To commemorate the Earth Day, a series of activities were organized with the students such as cleaning, planting of trees, ecological awareness which culminated with the meditation ceremony at 6 pm in front of the Don Bosco Birth House. The focus was to join hands with everyone as Christians, Buddhists, aborigines and other spiritualities, to help them realize that we all first belong to Mother Earth and we all need to responsibily work towards the preservation and survival of our planet. Science and technology are giving clear indications of the environmental hazards that are taking place because of the degradation of Mother Earth. All the Students felt very much that it is vital to invest in the preservation, protection and promotion of our Common Home, our Mother Earth.
Inauguration of Kamikatsu Kuvalam and Thiruvalluvar Thottam at Don Bosco College, Yelagiri Hills
Don Bosco School of Theology (DBST), Parañaque Philippines obtained the support of the Vatican’s Ecology and Creation Office and the Dicastery for Promoting Integral Human Development in advocating the Laudato Si’ Certified Environmental Trainer Curriculum during the meetings held in Rome last June 6-7, 2023.
In these meetings, Fr. Francis Gustilo, SDB, President of DBST, thoroughly discussed the Laudato Si’ Certified Environmental Trainer Curriculum with Fr. Joshtrom Isaac Kureethadam, Head of the Ecology & Creation Office, as well as with the representatives of the Dicastery for Promoting Integral Human Development. Fr. Gustilo explained that the objectives, structure, and methodology utilized in the curriculum are rooted in Pope Francis’s encyclical, Laudato Si. The program aims to train individuals to become environmental leaders who will promote ecological conversion with the use of theological content, ecological knowledge, and technical skills.
Earth Day 2024 Celebrations at DB Institute, Philippines
These photos were taken in our simple celebration of Earth Day 2024 at Don Bosco Technical Institute of Makati Inc., Philippines. Along with cleaning up the campus and bringing plants, our students were also tasked with raising awareness through posters and reminding instructors and students of their respective duties and tasks on the day. This is our contribution to environmental preservation, and we will continue to seek solutions that will help the Earth.
Teaching Youth to Beat the Heat
Archdiocesan Shrine of Our Lady of Lourdes, Cebu City, Philippines, 20 April 2024 -- The youth center of this parish held its monthly formation for youth on contemporary issues with a focus on managing the increased weather heat. The TGIF (Thank God It’s Friday) session on “Dangers of Climate Change: Fight against Heat” was given by Mr. Ralph Gerard Padilla last April 19, 2024. Around 150 youth members of the Salesian Youth Movement, the Sponsorship Program recipients and BEC Youth of the parish were in attendance.
The talk focused on the health impact of the global rise of temperatures and how to mitigate them. Mr. Padilla noted the current El Niño weather phenomenon in Southeast Asia and the recent spikes in the heat index. He outlined the different health problems that might come with the heat and taught the attendees how to avoid them.
Blog Articles
Don Bosco Green Alliance was privileged to be part of the faculty that provided resources for the ongoing course - Joint Diploma on Integral Ecology - which is being held by the Pontifical University in Rome.
The DBGA selected Fr. Francis Gustilo, SDB, President of the Don Bosco School of Theology (DBST), Philippines, a very active member of the DBGA. Fr. Francis gave the participants of the course an inside view of how the DBST has implemented Pope Francis' Laudato Si' in their curriculum and a gist of the institute's vision for the next 10 years.
Today the term “development” is widely used, but often from a philanthropic or ideological perspective. That is why it is important to talk about integral sustainable development from a Catholic perspective. Doing so, on the monthly anniversary of the Salesian Missionary Expedition, is General Councillor for Missions Fr Alfred Maravilla.
Here are some ideas from the World's Largest Lesson Newsletter on how to celebrate Earth Day with students -
Resource of the Month: #MakeSpaceforNature
Ages 8-14
As we celebrate Earth Month, encourage students to understand the wonder of biodiversity and why it’s key to achieving the Global Goals. Explore the beauty of the natural world with students and understand why we need to bend the curve on nature loss.
Young people from all over the world are once again invited to participate in the "Don Bosco Global Youth Film Festival" (DBGYFF), the Salesian international youth film festival. The Social Communication Sector of the Salesian Congregation has in fact joyfully announced the third edition of the competition, the final of which is scheduled for 17-18 October 2024 - as usual in a multitude of realities and locations in over 100 countries around the world.
Partners
