Global Catholic Climate Movement becomes Laudato Si’ Movement

GCCM becomes Laudato Si’ Movement

The Laudato Si’ Movement —that’s the new name for the Global Catholic Climate Movement (GCCM).

The name change was announced worldwide on Thursday, July 29.

The local chapter of the GCCM, which was launched on Friday, May 21, 2021, will now be known as Laudato Si’ Movement Trinidad and Tobago Chapter.

Offering a background to the name change, Chapter President Sr Julie Marie Peters SSM said in a press release that over the past two years, the international GCCM had been discerning “a foundational change”.

“The intentional, inclusive, and Spirit-led process started in October 2019. Since then, GCCM has hosted countless conversations with staff, board members, Laudato Si’ Animators, local GCCM Chapter leaders, and Catholics who lead this work on the ground all over the world.”

She said the discernment process included an extensive review of GCCM’s values, mission, and name. “All the while, this entire movement has earnestly prayed for the Holy Spirit’s guidance as we look to take the next steps in bringing Laudato Si’ to life and hearing the cry of the Earth and the cry of the poor, as Pope Francis calls us to do.”

Sr Julie said the date chosen to announce the name change was significant as July 29 was the feast day of St Martha. She explained that in the Gospels of Luke and John, when Jesus visits the house of Martha and Mary, Martha is active, working around the home, while Mary sits at the Lord’s feet, listening to what Jesus has to say.

“The two women represent the active and contemplative sides of the Global Catholic Climate Movement: All of us must act urgently against the climate crisis, but we also must slow down and contemplate creation’s beauty.”

Sr Julie said that with the name change, better-defined values, and a clearer mission statement, “the Laudato Si’ Movement looks forward to amplifying how Catholics and people of goodwill all over the world bring Laudato Si’ to life every day in their communities.”

Persons and groups wishing to join the Laudato Si’ Movement Trinidad and Tobago Chapter can visit Laudato Si’ Movement TT on Facebook and Instagram.