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In a milestone celebration, Siena College was proud to highlight the 10th anniversary of Pope Francis’ encyclical “Laudato Si’.”

The college’s own Laudato Si’ Center for Integral Ecology helped organize a two-day event, both to celebrate the center’s anniversary and to use the day to live out Pope Francis’ mission, calling others to help care for God’s creation.

About 48 million tons of plastic waste are generated in the U.S. each year but only 5 to 6 percent of it is actually recycled, according to the Department of Energy. The rest ends up in landfills or is burned.

“These facts have informed outreach efforts to the broader community in the city of Troy,” said Brother Jacek Orzechowski, OFM, associate director for the center.

Beyond the anniversary, the weekend was a chance to inform locals about tangible tools available to make an impact in their community.

“In particular, we spoke about the urgent and timely need to support the ‘Packaging Reduction & Recycling Infrastructure Act’ (S1464) as it soon comes up for a vote,” said Brother Orzechowski. “This bill seeks to curb plastic pollution, slow climate change, save taxpayers money, eliminate the use of some of the most toxic chemicals present in plastics, and protect human life and health.

“Changing our personal habits of consumption is important; however, advocating in support of the legislative measures that would bring about a systemic change is a moral imperative. It is a love in action, an expression of our care for the most vulnerable — including the born and not-yet-born children — a faith-inspired commitment to safeguard earth, our common home.”

The celebration continued the next day with a Mass at Saint Mary of the Angels Chapel at Siena, presided by Brother Orzechowski, and featured special music, prayers and a procession. Afterwards, attendees were invited to pray the ecological rosary in front of the Siena Grotto, and engaged in a contemplative “Opening the Book of Creation” spiritual walk.

Going forward, Brother Orzechowski said the Laudato Si’ Center will continue its efforts by collaborating with local colleges and organizations, including SUNY Albany and the Albany Diocese, to grow its mission of fostering and implementing sustainable solutions over the summer. Details on specific events and partnership collaborations are still to come. 

On June 1, Brother Orzechowski baptized Aurelia alongside family members at a ceremony in Connecticut. When he thinks about the importance of preserving the global climate, it’s because that environment, and that future, is the one Aurelia will be living in. 

“When I think of the future generations or caring for our common home, I don’t think about polar bears, I think about futures like hers,” he said.

For more information on the Laudato Si’ Center, or how to get involved in any upcoming events, contact the center at [email protected].

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