Memorandum No. 2015-87
21 July 2015
MEMO TO: UNIVERSITY COMMUNITY
FROM: FR. JOEL TABORA, S.J.
RE: PAKIGHINABI SESSIONS ON LAUDATO S
In their recent statement, the major superiors of the Jesuit Conference Asia Pacific (JCAP) sincerely and enthusiastically welcome Pope Francis’ new encyclical Laudato si’ (On the Care of Our Common Home) which draws attention to the urgent need for reconciliation with creation, already one of our apostolic priorities in Asia Pacific. The Jesuit superiors urge us and all those we seek to serve to make a thoughtful and generous response to the Holy Father’s plea.
Our many University engagements have the potential for far-reaching impact. Yet we know, too, that the first step necessary will be a personal conversion for each of us. It is crucial that we address ecological issues more explicitly in instruction and formation and also make these a matter for our ongoing formation. For both our personal prayer and our public expression, the Jesuit superiors suggest three specific themes raised by the Holy Father: deepening our gratitude to God for the many gifts of creation (praise); appreciating the interconnectedness of all things (integral ecology); and becoming healers of a wounded world (practical steps).
Pope Francis reminds us that “little daily actions” can transform the world. We ask each of our units to embark soon on a process of discernment toward making concrete changes in our lifestyle. As we do this, we might keep in mind three particular priorities: a secure water supply for all; planting in order to cool down the earth’s atmosphere; and the recycling of resources and rubbish to counter the effects of a “throwaway culture”.
Pope Francis describes the family home as a privileged space for learning to appreciate the beauty of creation and to practice good stewardship of “our common home”.
The Holy Father also urges people everywhere to embrace a new paradigm, a new vision for our relationships with others and with the created world. He calls us to increase our awareness of the needs of our neighbours today and our responsibility for future generations. In so doing, Pope Francis points to a number of issues that concern our University ought to continue to
examine: migration; pollution; nuclear power; sustainable energy; stewardship of resources; and the dignity of every human person.
On Friday, July 24, 2015, the Grade School, High School and the five (5) undergraduate (college) units will have Pakighinabi sessions on Laudato Si. In lieu of the regular Friday classes for College students, the following will be the schedule of discussions and activities in Jacinto Campus in three (3) venues – Finster Auditorium, 4th Floor Martin Hall, and 1st Floor Community Center:
I. Morning Pakighinabi (For 1st Year and 2nd Year College Students)
7:30-8:00AM: Assembly and Settling Down
8:00AM: Start of Pakighinabi
11:45AM: End
Note: Assignment of venue is arranged by FYDP (1st Year) and NSTP (2nd Year) classes. Please see attached announcement of assigned venue per class through your FYDP Guide/ Coordinator and NSTP Formator/ Coordinator.
II. Afternoon Pakighinabi (For 3rd, 4th & 5th Year College Students)
12:30-1:00PM: Assembly and Settling Down
1:00PM: Start of Pakighinabi
4:30PM: Blessing of Laudato Si Garden at Dotterweich Park/ Throwing of Bokashi Balls at Roxas Avenue Waterways
Note: Assignment of venue is arranged by school cluster.
Finster Auditorium: Computer Studies / Humanities and Letters
Community Center Lobby: School of Engineering and Architecture and School of Education
4th Floor Martin Hall: School of Business and Governance, School of Nursing, Natural Science Cluster, Social Science Cluster
The AVP Office will come up with mechanisms on checking of attendance, attendance shall be counted as part of the regular Friday classes. There will be regular classes for Graduate Programs and the College of Law. The Grade School and the High School will have their separate activities and alternative classes on that day.
Finally, as we seek a genuine change of heart, let us focus on the needs of the poor, who suffer the effects of climate change and economic injustice most starkly. In holding them close, we will only draw closer to the poor and humble Christ.
For your information and guidance.
