On September 1, 2024, the local community of San Lorenzo di Sedegliano came together for a special event on the World Day of Prayer for the Care of Creation. The Christian Orthodox parishes of Saints Mina the Megalomartyr and Efrem the Neomartyr, the Christian Catholic parish of San Lorenzo Martyr, and the Social Promotion Association Comunità Rigenerativa organized the event titled “Hope, Pray, and Act for Our Common Home, Creation.” This gathering was not only a time for prayer but also a call to action for the protection of our planet.
Unity Among Faiths and Communities
The event started with a warm welcome from the Christian Orthodox parish, hosting members of the Christian Catholic parish for a joint Orthodox Vespers and Artoklasia service. Led by Very Reverend Protopresbyter Petru Filipescu, the service was a spiritual moment enhanced by Byzantine chants and the presence of over 60 faithful from both parishes.
Messages of Hope and Responsibility
Following the religious service, attention turned to the urgent issue of climate change. An informative video emphasized the need for immediate action to protect our environment, warning of the potential collapse of civilizations and the extinction of the natural world. Ecumenical Patriarch Bartholomew’s words highlighted the spiritual importance of addressing the environmental crisis.
Various speakers, including Very Reverend Protopresbyter Dionisio Vidigh and Deacon Andrea Meneguzzi, stressed the importance of combining prayer with concrete actions to safeguard creation.
A Concrete and Shared Commitment
Presbytera Luiza Filipescu of the “Comunità Rigenerativa” Association emphasized the dual responsibility of believers and citizens in protecting creation. The event also featured Mr. Fabio Gallici, a key figure in Christian ecological projects, underscoring the importance of support in the field of ecology.
A Small Step for a Big Change
The event was made even more special by the generous donation of Montasio cheese from the Consortium for the Protection of Montasio Cheese, allowing participants to enjoy traditional delicacies from different cultures. This shared meal symbolized unity in the pursuit of a common goal.
This event showcased how collaboration between different communities can lead to tangible initiatives for protecting our planet. It demonstrated that faith and civic action can work together for the greater good of our shared home, Creation.
Looking ahead, the community is planning future events, including the “Community in Bloom Festival” and the reopening of the Eco-school, to continue their mission of protecting Creation with the participation of even more children and families.
Furthermore, monthly reflection meetings and ecological workshops are scheduled for both adults and children to enhance community awareness about the importance of environmental protection. The photography service was generously sponsored by Mr. Valentin Gheorghiță.
The united communities of San Lorenzo di Sedegliano have conveyed a strong and clear message: it is time to hope, pray, and take action for the environment.
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