Sr Shimi Varghese & Verghese V Joseph –
New Delhi: A two-day integral ecology workshop organised by the Catholic Bishops Conference of India (CBCI) Office for Environment and Climate Change highlighted the urgency for a collective action in the face of environmental challenges.
The event took place during August 24-26, 2024 at the Navinta Retreat Centre in Sukhdev Vihar, Okhla, New Delhi, where 43 representatives, including bishops, priests, religious members, and laypersons from various dioceses across three rites—Agra, Ajmer, Allahabad, Bareilly, Bijnor, Delhi, Faridabad, Gorakhpur, Gurgaon, Jaipur, Jalandhar, Jhansi, Jammu-Srinagar, Lucknow, Meerut, Simla-Chandigarh, Udaipur, and Varanasi—convened for the Joint Agra-North Region Workshop on Integral Ecology.
This workshop marked the third regional workshop following the National Conference on Integral Ecology held in Dharmaram, Bangalore.
The proceedings commenced with a homily by Bishop Allwyn D’Silva, Auxiliary Bishop Emeritus of Bombay and Chairman of the CBCI Office for Environment and Climate Change. Drawing from the day’s Gospel, he emphasized the importance of authenticity and the necessity for concrete actions in caring for creation. His message set a reflective tone for the days ahead, urging participants to consider their role in environmental stewardship.
The following day began with an inaugural ceremony, where Bishop D’Silva provided context for the workshop’s objectives. Sister Shimi Varghese, the secretary of the CBCI Office for Environment and Climate Change, outlined the Code of Conduct for participants, ensuring a respectful and productive environment.
Bishop Ivan Pereira of Jammu-Srinagar delivered a keynote address titled “Care of our Common Home: Towards an Integral Ecology in India.” He stressed the need for systematic change through collaboration and an interdisciplinary approach to address the interconnectedness of nature and humanity. His insights highlighted the urgency of collective action in the face of environmental challenges.
Dr. Haridas from Caritas India, the main resource person for the workshop, presented a stark overview of climate change issues in North India. He declared that the region is currently in a climate crisis, underscoring the necessity for creating climate-resilient communities and promoting ecological conversion. His assertion that humanity is an integral part of nature resonated deeply with the participants, reinforcing the idea that ecological responsibility is a shared human obligation.
The afternoon session allowed participants to share brief presentations showcasing ecological initiatives from their respective dioceses. These presentations provided a snapshot of ongoing efforts to address environmental issues and foster sustainability at the local level. Sister Jyotisha Kannamkal of the SND community emphasized the spiritual dimensions of ecological conversion, articulating that a genuine connection with God and creation is essential for personal and communal transformation.
The first day concluded with a Mass celebrated by Bishop Deepak Tauro, Auxiliary Bishop of Delhi. In his homily, he called for a renewal of hearts, stating that the renewal of Mother Earth begins with individual actions and a commitment to being true custodians of creation. His message resonated with the participants, reinforcing the workshop’s overarching theme of personal and communal responsibility.
On the second day, Mass was celebrated by Bishop Ivan Pereira, who reiterated the importance of faith-driven actions. He encouraged participants to work as a unified body to care for creation and to seek the root causes of environmental problems. His call to action inspired a spirit of collaboration among attendees, emphasizing that collective efforts can lead to meaningful change.
Sister Jyotisha presented the Laudato Si Goals and Action Plan, highlighting that one of the most significant forms of pollution is the pollution of the mind. She outlined the Dicastery’s vision for a seven-year journey toward achieving full sustainability in the holistic spirit of Integral Ecology, encouraging participants to engage deeply with these goals.
The latter part of the day featured group discussions moderated by Bishop D’Silva, where participants shared challenges faced in their dioceses and brainstormed solutions. This collaborative approach fostered a sense of unity and shared purpose among the attendees. Bishop D’Silva informed the group about the CBCI’s plan to issue a pastoral letter in 2025, coinciding with the tenth anniversary of Pope Francis’s encyclical Laudato Si. This letter aims to encourage discussions within dioceses about ecological responsibility and the potential for collaboration among the three rites.
The bishops representing the CBCI, Agra, and North regions shared their own initiatives, which included awareness programs in schools and parishes, income-generating activities for marginalized communities, and efforts to reduce single-use plastics. Their examples illustrated the diverse ways in which dioceses are addressing environmental challenges and promoting sustainability.
The workshop concluded with a prayer led by Bishop Eugene of Varanasi, reinforcing the collective commitment of participants to act as stewards of creation. This gathering not only highlighted the urgent need for ecological action but also fostered a spirit of collaboration among diverse dioceses, paving the way for a more integrated approach to environmental stewardship in India.
The Joint Agra-North Region Workshop on Integral Ecology served as a vital platform for dialogue, reflection, and action, emphasizing that caring for our common home is a shared responsibility that transcends individual diocesan boundaries. As participants returned to their communities, they carried with them a renewed commitment to ecological stewardship, inspired by faith and a shared vision for a sustainable future.