Information service of the Pontifical Mission Societies since 1927
Zamboanga (Agenzia Fides) - "Pope Francis' encyclical, Laudati Sì, is a new source of inspiration and encouragement for the work of interreligious dialogue and for the care of the environment": says a statement sent to Fides by the "Silsilah" Movement for dialogue founded by PIME missionary Fr. Sebastiano D'Ambra and active in the southern Philippines. "For Silsilah, the encyclical is a sign of the times", said the note of the Movement, started in 1984 and based on a spirituality of "life-in-dialogue", based on four pillars: dialogue with God; dialogue with oneself; dialogue with others; dialogue with creation.
According to the note, over the years the aspect of "dialogue with creation" has been significantly strengthened and "calls on Muslims and Christians to work together for the common good".
Recalling the principle of "thinking globally and acting locally", Silsilah recalls that this "dialogue with creation is a continual reminder and a great challenge", as was the case for the defense of the catchment area of Ayala, when Muslims and Christians in Mindanao worked hand in hand to prevent the dismantling and the arrival of a mining company. Encouraged by this successful experience, Silsilah is still active in protecting all water catchment areas in Zamboanga as "concrete commitment of care for our common home".
Even the clear "spiritual perspective" that has primacy in the encyclical is "a source of great inspiration", says the Movement. "This perspective is a fundamental part in the discernment on environmental issues and implies a relationship of mutual responsibility between humans and nature", a vision fully shared by Silsilah. "The letter is a strong message that touches the conscience of every person of our time", he concludes. (PA) (Agenzia Fides 25/06/2015)
