by Marjorie Engcoy, JPIC-Mindanao Animator
Last July 5-7, 2024, the first renewal program for the Laudato Si (LS) Animators in Mindanao was held. A total of 20 LS Animators gathered for this event to reflect on their experiences as animators and champions for our Common Home, inspired by Pope Francis’ encyclical, Laudato Si. The first group of animators trained using the Deep Journey into Laudato Si module began their training in April 2019 and continued on until 2024.
Empowered by the message of Laudato Si, this group of lay people have been offering Laudato Si orientations, conducting Deep Journey into Laudato Si (DJLS) Animators’ Training, and giving DJLS symposium to dioceses, parishes, schools, organizations, and communities where they have connections with.
Tree growing in Sitio Langag, Dansolihon.
The event was also an opportunity for the animators to share their stories of joy, surprises, and challenges with one another. More importantly, they were also able to pray for and with one another. On the afternoon of July 6th, Archbishop Emeritus Tony Ledesma, SJ, DD, gave a two-hour input to the animators designed to spark renewal amongst the animators present. He talked about how we can continue being “Stewards of God’s Gift to All Generations”. In the early evening, a renewal of commitment took place during the Mass, presided over by Fr. Teakare Betero, SSC.
As a fruit of the group’s reflection, the following themes were identified as important areas of focus: a) expansion of network, partnerships, and collaborations to amplify the Laudato Si message; b) mobilization and organization for different advocacies; c) launching activities for the youth and younger generation, and recruiting more young animators committed to the advocacy of protecting our common home; d) resource mobilization; e) maximization of the use of social media to promote our advocacy of protecting and caring for our common home; and f) revision and modification of the manual that the animators are using. A consolidated plan will be given to each animator for feedback
To conclude the renewal program, a tree-growing activity was arranged for the animators. This took place at Sitio Langag, Dansolihon, at the expansion site of the Columban-Higaonon Tree Growing Project. Over a hundred Philippine indigenous trees were planted on the morning of July 7th.
The animators then parted ways with hearts full of hope and a renewed commitment to continue their passion as Laudato Si Animators in their respective communities, strengthened by each other and with each other.
