FCJ Sisters around the world have been involved in organizing showings of The Letter – the Laudato Sì film. This documentary tells the story of a journey to Rome of frontline leaders in the care for our common home to discuss the encyclical letter Laudato Si’ with Pope Francis. The exclusive dialogue with the Pope, included in the film, offers a revealing insight into the personal history of Pope Francis and stories never seen since he became the Bishop of Rome.
A group of sisters and Companions in Mission in Europe met on zoom to reflect on the documentary after watching it. There was a showing in the Kimmage Parish Hall, Dublin. Here we report of some events in Asia.
Sr Rowena fcJ writes from the Philippines
As part of its response to Laudato Si’ the FCJ community in Manila decided to show the film The Letter to various groups with whom they are connected. The first group was the staff of the FCJ Learning and Development Center followed by a group of mothers. A short introduction and explanation in Tagalog preceded the film showing so that people could understand it more easily.
On the 26 February it was the turn of our college scholars. In our community home a mixed group of young people and former and present scholars met. On the same day all the present scholars gathered inthe FCJ Center to watch the film. After the showing of the film each group engaged in lively discussions. They shared experiences of how the damage caused to the environment has impacted people they know and even their own lives.
The film touched each group deeply and inspired them to make whatever effort they can to care for our common home. Some of the ideas generated were collecting single-use plastics for recycling, planting vegetables even in a densely populated urban area, planting trees and joining organizations involved in protecting the environment. There was a strong commitment to doing what we can to preserve the environment for future generations. In all more than 100 people took part in these sessions.
Sr Meita fcJ writes from Indonesia
I held a sharing and discussion activity about the film The Letter on 25 February with the theme “Loving the Earth for the Future of Generations to Come”. I feel that this film is very interesting as a medium for friends who care about nature to share and have discussions together.
The film has touched the hearts of several friends who come from different places to share and discuss with others. However, not all of them were able to attend because of unstable internet connections due to bad weather. Those present came from Yogyakarta and Ende in Indonesia and Sabah in Malaysia. The diversity of cultures, different professions and challenges from each place mutually enrich each other and make the discussion more interesting. Through these activities they can support each other and give encouragement to continue caring for this earth.
Find out more about The Letter at the film website theletterfilm.org or watch the film on YouTube Originals, or even host a screening in your local area!
