A Sustainable future - Care for Our Home

Pope Francis wrote an Encyclical (letter) called Laudato Si (Praise be to You) in 2015. The subtitle is ‘Care for Our Home.’ Its focus is the natural environment, and in particular the relationship between God, humans and the earth. The pope reflects on human behaviour, consumerism and development that threatens precious ecosystems.

The encyclical calls for all the world’s people to act as one and make changes to protect the earth and its resources. As we see the effects of climate change impacting people around the world, the encyclical is worthwhile reading as it calls us all to act in some way.

Sustainability Group

At Damascus College, we are blessed with a beautiful bush setting. The flora and fauna are only a few steps from the buildings that house the busyness of a school engaged in educating youth. The youth are the future stewards of the earth, and so the Damascus Sustainability Group continues to work on several projects that promote understanding and action for a better future.

The group is currently Working with ResourceSmart to build knowledge and create some initiatives around recycling and biodiversity.

Tree Planting

This week, on 28 July, we will see students plant trees on the Damascus property as part of National Tree Day. The tree planting is to engage students in an activity to connect them with nature whilst highlighting the magnificent bushland backdrop that we have here.

What greater classroom can there be!

Canticle of the Creatures

Laudato Si, written by Pope Francis, draws on St Francis of Assisi’s hymn of praise and thanksgiving, the Canticle of the Creatures. It is believed, St Francis wrote the Canticle in 1224 to the Creator for all the wonders of creation.

We pray,

Most High, all-powerful,
good Lord,
yours is the praise,
the glory and the honor and every blessing.

To you alone, Most High,
do they belong,
and no one is worthy
to speak your name.

Praised be you, my Lord
with all your creatures,
especially Sir Brother Sun,
who is the day through whom
you bring us light.

And he is lovely, shining
with great splendor,
for he heralds you, Most High.

Praised be you, my Lord,
through Sister Moon and Stars.
In heaven you have formed them,
lightsome and precious and fair.

And praised be you, my Lord,
through Brother Wind, through
air and cloud, through calm
and every weather by which
you sustain your creatures.

Praised be you, my Lord,
through Sister Water,
so very useful and humble,
precious and chaste.

Praised be you, my Lord
through Brother Fire,
by whom you light up
the night, and he is
handsome and merry,
robust and strong.

Praised be you, my Lord,
through our Sister, Mother Earth,
who sustains us and directs us
bringing forth all kinds of fruits
and colored flowers and herbs.

Praised be you, my Lord
through those who forgive
for your love
and who bear sickness and trial.

Blessed are those
who endure in peace,
for by you, Most High,
they will be crowned.

Praised be you, my Lord,
through our Sister Bodily Death
from whom no living being
can escape.

How dreadful for those
who die in mortal sin!
How blessed are those she
finds in your most holy will
for the second death
can do them no harm.

O praise and bless my Lord,
thank him and serve him
humbly but grandly!