New York, USA. Earth Day has been celebrated every year on April 22nd around the world since 1970. This year, it was the 50th anniversary of this international day recognized by the United Nations and which has gradually generated positive impacts on world society. Each year, many communities gather and participate in outdoor events ranging from collecting garbage in public places to planting trees to raise awareness of environmental issues and take action to improve the local environment. Ironically, this year’s Earth Day took place during one of the deadliest pandemics the world has ever seen. As a result, this year’s Earth Day went digital.
In an unprecedented activity in the Claretian Congregation, under the animation of the General Prefecture of Apostolate, the “Solidarity and Mission Team” formed by Justice, Peace and Integrity of Creation (Rome), Proclade Internazionale Onlus (Rome) and the Team of the Claretian Presence at the United Nations (New York) planned and organized last April 22, a Worldwide Online Encounter to celebrate Earth Day.
This encounter had three moments of global Prayer-Action-Reflection, one in English, another in French, and another in Spanish, in which the different branches of the Claretian family, religious men and women, Claretians in formation and laymen and women participated. The Spanish event was transmitted live by Radio Claret America and Radio Claret Mexico.
This online encounter that touched almost all the geography of the Congregation, from East to West and from North to South, from Australia to the United States, passing through Asia, Africa, and Europe, and from Canada to Argentina, was lived in an enthusiastic way by those who participated.
This virtual celebration counted with the participation of the General Government and allowed an emotional encounter of the Claretian family, gathering hundreds of men and women who defend the Earth. At the end of the event, the participants wrote down their commitments and took a photo (selfies) and published it in their social networks.
It was an encounter that, in spite of the physical distance, allowed the exchange of smiles and greetings through the cameras, which encouraged everyone to continue with their commitment and defense of life.
[envira-gallery id=”78161″]
