Spain – The Salesian Family in caring for the Earth

23 April 2024

(ANS – Madrid) – On the occasion of World Earth Day, celebrated on 22 April, various activities were organised in many Salesian centres, in addition to several ongoing activities carried out throughout the year. Earth Day was established to remember that the planet and its ecosystems give us life and sustenance: in addition to promoting this harmony with nature. This day is celebrated to promote ecology and environmental protection.

In this sense, says Pope Francis, "This sister now cries out to us because of the harm we have inflicted on her by our irresponsible use and abuse of the goods with which God has endowed her.". For this reason, the Pontiff affirms, "the care of the Earth is a moral obligation for all men and women as sons and daughters of God".

In the Salesian Province of Spain's Mary Help of Christians Province (SMX), the houses of Montilla, Badalona and Alcoy have planned concrete actions for that day. In Badalona, all the thoughts of the Salesian "Good morning" concerned the question of recycling. In Montilla, primary school students made banners with which they paraded in the school courtyard and raised awareness of responsible water consumption. In Burriana, together with other educational centres in the country, the boys and girls of the Salesian primary and secondary schools participated in previous months in several tree planting initiatives.

For their part, the centres of El Campello-Rota and Alicante are involved in the environmental awareness project called "Mares Circulares", which includes waste collection on beaches, in marine and wet environments; awareness of the importance of the conservation of marine environments; and promotion of the circular economy.

For its part, the St James the Greater Province (SSM) is also at work in its own centres, to raise awareness about the care of our Common Home.

For example, at the Salesian Domingo Savio work in Madrid they are working on two projects: children at the kindergarten are looking after a school garden. "In this first year the project is in the process of germination, it is giving its first fruits in the form of activities, knowledge for the little ones... Thanks to this project, children can learn where the fruit and vegetables we consume come from, how to take care of the plants knowing what they need to grow and also creating an awareness of caring for nature, which is sometimes not seen in school classrooms", explain those in charge.

In the higher grades the Salesiansare collaborating in on a project belonging to the Municipality of Madrid: "Educating for a more sustainable Madrid". For two years, every quarter the school's students have been thinking about a project on which to work, raise awareness, disseminate and teach how important it is to take care of the planet and that small daily gestures are also important. So six projects have already been carried out on water saving, waste management, healthy snacks, Black Friday, Christmas and an environmental desk.

All these are just a few examples of the many activities that are carried out in the educational communities of the Salesians and the Salesian Family to take care of our Common Home.

InfoANS

ANS - “Agenzia iNfo Salesiana” is a on-line almost daily publication, the communication agency of the Salesian Congregation enrolled in the Press Register of the Tibunal of Rome as n 153/2007.

This site also uses third-party cookies to improve user experience and for statistical purposes. By scrolling through this page or by clicking on any of its elements, you consent to the use of cookies. To learn more or to opt out, click "Further Information".