Recife (Brazil). Professor Ary Junior, educator at St. Mary D. Mazzarello Institute of the Daughters of Mary Help of Christians of Mary Help of Christians Province (BRE), received the apostolic blessing of Pope Francis for his work on projects aimed at promoting integral ecology and the care of our common home in line with the principles of the Encyclical Laudato Si’ of the Pontiff.
Sanit Mary D. Mazzarello School in fact, promotes actions that go from environmental education to the implementation of sustainable practices in the daily life of the school, reinforcing the bonds between faith, science, and the care of creation.
The work of the teacher Ary Junior and of the other educators of the School, like the project, “Collaborate in the health of the planet,” reflect the integral commitment for sustainability, promoting actions for the safeguarding of the environment like collecting plastic tops, tins, kitchen oil, plastic packaging, and electronic trash. All the material collected is disposed of in a correct and aware way, contributing to the conservation of the environment, and, at the same time, supporting social works. The School also carries out other projects as that of “green roofs”.
“The apostolic blessing is in recognition, not only for me, but also for the whole Educating Community of St. Mary Mazzarello School, that has embraced this cause with enthusiasm. Following the teaching of Pope Francis in Laudato Si’ means re-affirming our Christian commitment in the building of a more just and sustainable world,” affirmed Professor Ary on receiving this recognition.
In the Letter dated 12 November 2024, the words of Pope Francis in Laudato Si’ are quoted:
“The urgent challenge of protecting our common home includes the preoccupation of uniting the whole human family in the search for a sustainable and integral development because we know that things can change. The Creator does not abandon us, never goes back on His plan of love; He does not repent for having created us. Humanity is still capable of collaborating to build our common home. I desire to express acknowledgement, encouragement, and to thank all those who, in the most varied sectors of human activity, are working to guarantee the protection of the home that we share. Special gratitude is merited by those who struggle with vigor to resolve the dramatic consequences of environmental degradation in the life of the poorest of the world. The young demand a change from us. They ask how it is possible that we pretend to build a better future without thinking of the environmental crisis and the suffering of those excluded.” (LS 13)
At the end of the Letter, Pope Francis imparts his apostolic blessing to the teacher, to his family, and to the Communities of the Salesian Institutes. “As a sign of constant support and of heavenly grace, I send the Apostolic Blessing, extended to your families, especially of the teachers and the students of the Salesian Institutes.” He asked to be remembered in prayer.
Thanks to the commitment of all its educators, St. Mary Mazzarello School continues to carry out projects that promote sustainability and the care of the environment. These initiatives strengthen the commitment of the Daughters of Mary Help of Christians regarding the values of Laudato Si’, integrating education, solidarity, and socio-environmental responsibility in favor of a more equitable and sustainable future for everyone.
