KENYA: Global Catholic Climate Movement Rebrands as Laudato Si’ Movement
Sr. Jecinter Antoinette Okoth, FSSA
The Global Catholic Climate Movement (GCCM) that works within the Catholic Church and across the globe to better care for our common home and nurture ecological spirituality has rebranded its name to Laudato Si’ Movement.
At a virtual session Thursday, July 29, the GCCM leadership noted that the new name suits better Pope Francis’ encyclical Laudato Si on climate change and ecology which was published six years ago and gives a clear meaning why the movement was formed.
“We know that Laudato Si’ inspired the foundation of this movement, and it continues to be the cornerstone of everything that we do,” President of the Board of Directors Ms. Lorna Gold said during the Thursday session adding that, “It is important to note that the mission is being broadened to include the concept of ecological justice, based on the spirit of Laudato Si’, where “everything is interconnected.”
Expounding more about rebranding the movement, the leadership narrated that the Board involved Pope Francis in the whole process and sent him a letter explaining about the proposed new name and the Pope’s response appreciated their “mission of promoting integral ecology and for the help being offered to the Church throughout the world” as he confirmed the new name.
They further disclosed that several members of the movement described how the old name caused problems and didn’t translate smoothly into some languages. Some people had difficulty remembering the name or differentiating it from other groups while others found it too long and mouthful.
The movement’s new mission statement “To inspire and mobilize the Catholic community to care for our common home and to achieve climate and ecological justice” incorporates environmental concerns that go beyond climate change.
Launching the new name for Laudato Si-Africa Saturday, July 31 at the Franciscan Family Centre in Nairobi, the Communications Coordinator Fr. Stephen Makagutu narrated that GCCM has gone a “Synodal discernment” and the new name incorporates the “need to listen to the cry of the poor and the cry of nature.”
“Laudato Si’ in itself is a prayer meaning praise to you Lord,” Fr. Makagutu a member of the Order of Friars Minor Capuchin (OFMCap) highlighted while addressing the congregation who attended the launch function adding that “the prayer and movement need to go throughout the world through Laudato Si’ animators.
