I began my active participation in the Laudato Siʹ Movement last year (2024) when I attended the Laudato SiʹAnimator’s Course. Since then, I have continued to join online gatherings whenever I can. The program awakens in me the urgent call of the earth and the cry of the poor.
I have become increasingly aware of the significant number of lives lost, homes, and livelihoods, particularly of the poor, devastated by floods and typhoons, with cases of poverty and migration rising, global warming, serious health issues, and much more. All this is happening because of the climate crisis. Unfortunately, my homeland is among the countries most affected. The call to act for personal and community transformation is urgently needed, as no one is exempt from this environmental crisis.
Joining the movement has also prompted me to reflect on my childhood experiences. I grew up in a rural area of Mindanao, Philippines. I am convinced that our region is one of the richest in terms of natural resources and biodiversity. I witnessed and once lived in a luxurious environment that was free — yes, free — from modernization, where nature provided its calming effects and beauty.
Here, I woke up every morning to the delightful sounds of nature — birds chirping, chickens clucking, and more. Gazing around at the lush surroundings with pleasant weather, beautiful trees, lovely flowers, and breathtaking views of the mountains, with fresh, clean air and crystal-clear spring water — a pollution-free dwelling place truly deserving to be called home.
Furthermore, our family embraced a “garden-to-table” lifestyle. Each of us was trained to plant, water, cultivate, care for, and value our produce. Our backyard was filled with vegetables and fruit trees, while the front yard featured flowers that bloom daily alongside ornamental plants and a small fishpond. We also kept livestock. We enjoyed a simple, healthy, and sustainable lifestyle. All of this was made possible by my parents, who raised me in this way of life, for which I feel blessed and eternally grateful.
My understanding of environmental care expanded during my primary and secondary education, where greening the school was a crucial aspect of the school’s curriculum. Each student had an area of responsibility, and every day, we participated in gardening classes along with maintaining the cleanliness and beautification of the school grounds. This experience fostered a deep connection with the earth. Additionally, students planted trees around the campus, which transformed our school environment into something breathtaking.
My heart is full because I have been able to encounter and cherish the magnificence of God’s greatness. I dream the same for every child of today, that they may experience God’s glory through the grandeur of God’s creation — free from the natural calamities brought on by climate change. With this, I feel encouraged and hopeful to take action for the restoration and protection of our common home as a gift to ourselves and future generations.
Columban lay missionary Febie Gonzales lives and works in Taiwan.
