The Laudato Si’ Center for Integral Ecology at Siena College, in collaboration with several other Franciscan colleges and universities, will be hosting a major symposium from October 10 to 11. It seeks to inspire and empower younger and older Franciscan-hearted people to respond to the cry of the earth and the cry of the poor. Br. Michael Perry, OFM, director of the new Center for Integral Ecology at Siena, is passionate about the urgent need to engage imagination and build Laudato Si’ bridges. (Check out his presentation to the Franciscan School of Theology.)
The symposium, titled “Earth's Cry, Humanity's Call," is a crucial step in fostering awareness and action. For Br. Jacek Orzechowski, OFM, who also works at the Center, the symposium is an invitation to think big, to dream, to do justice. “We are facing the existential threat of climate change with many interconnected social, political, and economic problems. But we are also standing at the threshold of amazing opportunities that we now have as disciples of Jesus to repair our broken relationship with God, with each other and with Earth's community of life.”
The symposium will feature a diverse group of panelists and presenters. Notable among them is UN Secretary-General António Guterres. There are opportunities to attend in person or join via livestream. The symposium aims to inform and inspire, provide resources, and galvanize thousands of young people from various Franciscan colleges, universities, other schools and local parishes to grow in stronger commitment to help rebuild God’s house that is falling into ruin and lift the poor, Br. Jacek added.
“Let us be part of the solution and ambassadors of hope” Br. Jacek concluded.
The symposium will be held at Siena College, 515 Loudon Road, Loudonville, NY 12211. For more information and to register, visit Siena.edu/integralecology
