Santa Marta Conference on April 24 - 29: Transitioning Away from Fossil Fuel

The environmental degradation affects the biodiversity, people's lives are threatened, habitats are endangered, and livelihood of the people are affected.  The culture is also threatened as the people migrate and loose the symbols, creatures become extinct, and sometimes language and dialect are forgotten.   

A stronger coalition to advocate and take actions to transition away from the fossil fuel to solve the Climate Crisis.   The first conference on transitioning away from fossil fuel will start on April 24 ending on April 29.  The Santa Marta Conference supports the Paris Climate Agreement which is initiated by the Fossil Fuel Treaty.  The conference aims to give the concrete pathways to transition away from the fossil fuel across the globe that will support the socio-ecologically economically sustainable world.  This is the coalition of the willing organizations to be part of the solution as the time is moving towards 2035 where United Nations aim to achieve 50% target on decarbonization.

The future generations depend on the actions that we take that starts today along with the civil organizations, subnational, state and nations around the world committed to also do their part.  The subnational governments are at the heart of the action and San Antonio is one of the cities that is in the coalition.  The Incarnate Word Sisters Justice, Peace, and Integrity of Creation supports the Fossil Fuel Treaty.  It is a hope to turn the sustainable conversations into actions that the organization's lifestyle, strategies, and future initiatives take part in the decarbonization of the world.   

To learn more about the Conference in Santa Marta, Colombia and participate, please visit https://transitionawayconference.com/

 

To support the Fossil Fuel Treaty Coalition:

https://www.fossilfueltreaty.org/

Join the Earth Day's Protecting Our Health by United Women in Faith

 

Celebrating Earth Day: Protecting Our Health April 22, 2026 3pm ET (2 p.m. CT, 1 p.m. MT, 12 p.m. PT)    Invite your friends, all are welcome!

Register Today

Celebrating Earth Day in Community: Organize a viewing party with friends and family to participate in this webinar together and discuss ways to take action for environmental and climate justice Research and join local Earth Day celebrations and share our informative resources Host a Climate Justice bible study based on Psalm 77 Join us live for more opportunities to take action and use any of our resources in your own community events. If you need any support or resources for your Earth Day efforts, email us. All our events are free of cost, and everyone is welcome.

Earth Day - Bay Day in Corpus Christi - Sustainable and Caring Day for All Ages

People, young and old from different walks of life in Corpus Christi gathered in Heritage Park for the Annual 27th Earth Day - Bay Day to share their enthusiasm and care for their various interests in God's creation.  Master naturalists, master gardeners, junior gardeners, Texas Park and Wildlife, Texas A&M professors, TAMU students from Engineering and Computer Science, teachers, and school administrators, Port of Corpus Christi Environmentalists, Sierra Club, Philips 66 energy, etc. Sustainability and Philips 66 energy? Philips 66 though was traditional energy company, it has been innovating and open to emerging energy for sustainability.  It has joined the Sustainable Aviation Fuel (SAF) market since 2021 given their contract with British Airways UK.  In the event, the 66 energy employees/volunteers were giving away native plants.

This annual event was family friendly and mobility friendly.   People learned about the birds, land, sea creatures, reptiles, and plants.  People do not have to use the single-use bottled water as the LyondellBasell gave away reusable container filled with water.  Junior naturalists were teaching the enthusiasts about composting, and planting.  There were master naturalists showing skeletons and skulls of animals from the ocean, the air, and the land. Texas Parks and Wildlife taught the crowd about the Great Horned Owl and Eastern Screech Owl.  There's a wide variety of activities for the children to have fun such as guessing a creature or a preserved object, coloring pages for the children, science explanation of carbon sequestration, etc.  A lot of people care about our world in so many ways especially in this month of Earth.  JPIC - US participated by distributing advocacy cards for sustainability with an invitation to go deeper by signing up in Laudato Si' Animator Program and the invitation to attend the local retreat "Praying with God's Creation" that will be held in Our Lady of Perpetual Help on April 18 8am - 2pm with deadline for registration on April 11.

Below are some of the pictures from the Earth Day Bay Day event.

Photos at a Glance

"The majority of people living on our planet profess to be believers. This should spur religions to dialogue among themselves for the sake of protecting nature, defending the poor, and building networks of respect and fraternity. Dialogue among the various sciences is likewise needed, since each can tend to become enclosed in its own language, while specialization leads to a certain isolation and the absolutization of its own field of knowledge. This prevents us from confronting environmental problems effectively. An open and respectful dialogue is also needed between the various ecological movements, among which ideological conflicts are not infrequently encountered. The gravity of the ecological crisis demands that we all look to the common good, embarking on a path of dialogue which demands patience, self-discipline and generosity, always keeping in mind that “realities are greater than ideas”. (Laudato Si' 201).

Prayer Vigil for Peace with Pope Leo 11am CT Saturday

Pope Leo is holding a prayer vigil for Peace at 11am CT this Saturday and we would like to join with him, with the wider Church and with all people of good will and hold a simultaneous vigil here in San Antonio. We will meet at Main Plaza 10:30 am CT to set up a spot for quiet vigil. We will  bluetooth Pope Leo's prayers to a speaker and we can take it from there. Maybe bring a folding chair or blanket. A guitar and or instrument if you’re feeling it. The important thing is to gather together to support each other and to witness for Peace.

The Vigil from Rome will probably be streamed - 11am CT

https://www.youtube.com/live/03pYP2Nmreo

Resource for Peace Vigil:

https://fdlc.org/2026/04/resources-for-peace-vigil/

Prayer Broadcast, the Prayer Vigil 

https://youtu.be/Li2jQstPhbQ?si=5DL4W3fnVZ_V7afY

Ecological Conversion Starts Here

Become a Laudato Si’ Animator!   Laudato Si’ Animators are members of the Laudato Si Movement, a global community of people of faith and action, who animate their local parishes and communities to engage in ecological spirituality, sustainable lifestyles and advocacy for climate and ecological justice.

Animators work to bring Pope Francis’ encyclical, Laudato Si’, to life and empower us all to care for our common home.

This FREE, ONLINE Training Program consists of 4 weekly online live sessions STARTING APRIL 15 (or view the recording on demand) and a Seed Project to apply your knowledge in your community. Certification is granted upon completion.

International Formation Online: https://laudatosianimators.org/

Other Relevant Resource:

Local Prayer and Action Project of Laudato Si' Movement (LSM) TX Chapter and Incarnate Word Sisters JPIC:

Praying with God's Creation Retreat in Corpus Christi on April 18 Deadline for Registration on April 11

Una oportunidad con esperanza

En esta realidad, la Pascua del Señor nos invita a levantar la mirada ya ensanchar el corazón. El Señor está vivo y permanece con nosotros. A través de resquicios de resurrección que se abren paso en la oscuridad, Él entrega nuestro corazón a la esperanza que nos sostiene: el…

— Papa León XIV (@Pontifex_es) 5 de abril de 2026

Este mensaje del papá León, tiene un valor especial en estos tiempos...

La situación política, social, ambiental e institucionalidad en el Perú es complicado de describir, pero no de sentir, porque sabemos bien de los dolores y frustraciones que cada peruano y peruana atraviesa. Nuestra Espiritualidad de la Encarnación nos predispone a esos sentires desde el corazón.

Con ese contexto, es que en pocos días (el 12 de abril), nuestro país ingresa nuevamente al proceso electoral: presidente y vicepresidente; senadores; diputados; y parlamento andino. Un proceso que vuelve a plantearnos más dudas que certezas sobre el ahora y el futuro del país. Sin embargo, nuestro llamado de fe nos invita a entender esta realidad y transformarla, especialmente con quienes son más vulnerados. La clase política tiene un papel importante en esa transformación.

Entonces, respondamos personal y comunitariamente la siguiente pregunta: ¿Cómo hacemos real y tangible el amor salvador y sanador de Jesús ahora? Este contexto electoral es un buen momento para fortalecer nuestros mensajes y trabajos por el cuidado toda la creación, por la defensa de la dignidad de todas las personas, por la promoción de los derechos humanos, en fin, por el amor a toda la vida.

Retomando al mensaje de esperanza, que el papa León XIV nos ha compartido por la pascua de resurrección, nos anima a “levantar la mirada y ensanchar el corazón”. Esa es la clave: vencer el desánimo desde un corazón abierto, un corazón más sensible. Levantando la mirada volvemos a la realidad, la seguimos andando. Necesitamos hacerlo. 

Animados por ese espíritu de fuerza y ​​mirada esperanzadora, motivamos el diálogo en el marco de este proceso electoral. Esto implica desarrollar nuestra capacidad de discernimiento de entre quienes pretenden asumir los roles políticos ya descritos. Puestos claves para vencer las situaciones de pobreza y muerte que nos marcan fuertemente. Que ese discernimiento sea mirando al mismo tiempo a mi hermano y hermana, a los rostros sufrientes de Cristo, al clamor de nuestro Perú.

Les comparto algunos recursos que podrán servir mucho:

La Comisión Episcopal de Acción Social nos comparte los " Criterios éticos para elegir mejor", una serie de folletos didácticos que profundizan desde nuestra fe para decidir mejor.

Desde el Jurado Nacional de Elecciones se nos presenta "Voto Informado", plataforma virtual con herramientas para revisar y comparar hojas de vida y planes de gobierno, además de conocer a quienes integran en cada opción política.

 

"Capibarismo" es una iniciativa ciudadana que nos propone enfrentar a candidatos y simular un proceso de eliminación. Además, podemos comparar perfiles de candidatos de manera más concreta.

 

El "Electrómetro" nos propone una serie de preguntas para descubrir nuestra afinidad política de acuerdo con temas nuestro de interés.

IMPORTANTE: Estos recursos no son concluyentes para definir el voto o la posición política, pero si son de gran apoyo informativo y comparativo para nuestra reflexión en este momento. Será importante incorporar otros elementos que sumen a esta tarea, especialmente desde nuestro criterio y experiencias personales y de comunidad.

Retreat in April 18 Deadline for Registration April 11 in Corpus Christi: Praying with God's Creation

Searching for how you can be more in-tune with everything around you?  

Let us pray with the Saints who were once navigating the challenges here on earth and found ways to be united with God's Creation.  Now is the time more than ever to be more connected with God and His Creation, and yes, that includes you!

Use the QR Code in the image above or use this link

Praying with God's Creation RetreatApr 18, 8am-2pm – Fill out form

(https://forms.cloud.microsoft/r/ZCKHgNLphd)

Stations of the Cross

In the light of the Holy Week, below are the resources for you to go deeper in the awareness of God's love through solidarity with our vulnerable brothers, sisters, and mother earth.  We share in the cross of Christ while not forgetting that challenges of today can be faced together united in faith and action.

Catholic Mobilizing Network (CMN) hosted 2026 Stations of the Cross is available online for the injustice that death penalty imposes on the system since the colonial age.  A contemplative Stations of the Cross prayer is here.

Resources for Stations of the Cross:

• Laudato Si' Movement TX Chapter Stations of the Cross 
• Laudato Si' Movement Stations of the Cross from the Prayer book (page 38-42) 
• Holy Week Resources from Catholic Mobilizing Network
• Digital Painting Stations of the Cross by Caritas International
• Catholic Relief Services Stations of the Cross

Praying with you this Holy Week. +

Change the World for One Hour

In solidarity with Creation (people, animals, plants, environment, etc) suffering because of the Climate Crisis and the Humanitarian Crisis, please disconnect your gadgets and electric appliances that you can.  Imagine how many people in the world are using electricity while some are not having electricity.  But the point is, we are eight billions of people and majority of us are using electricity.  

Even if you are using renewable energy like me, you can still do something good by disconnecting from the electric-powered appliances and gadgets, you can be in solidarity with those who do not have, or those who are affected by Climate Crisis.   

By turning away from electricity for just an hour, we feel what people who do not have electricity feel.  What do they see if they do not have electricity?  What do they do if they do not have electricity?  What if by this simple act, collectively, our common humanity united with the Divine can save the world from crisis by one hour at a time?

From 8:30pm to 9:30pm Central Time, go out and do something other than connecting with your electric powered appliances and gadgets.  You can talk to your friends, take a walk, pray, or play a musical instrument, sing a song, and so much more.

Check this link below to give an hour of your time to the earth.

https://www.earthhour.org/take-part/give-an-hour

Caring with you.  

CHA's Webinar: Health Impacts of the Ecological Crisis and Your Response on March 25 3-4PM ET

The flooding, wildfires, super typhoon, hurricanes among other natural disasters are extreme, and more frequent.  Apart from the natural calamities impact on the livelihood, there are healthcare risks that are tied up to all of these.  Be prepared in responding to crisis.  Want to learn how our world's health is now impacted by ecological crisis?  Anything that you breathe, feel, and see differently are signs of the health risks that you can watch out.   By having the information available to you, you can better prepare yourself with what you need in order to respond better.  

This webinar is posted here as this is the interconnection of Justice, Peace, and Integrity of Creation with  Healthcare.  As the Laudato Si' teaches us, everything is connected.  When one is hurting, the whole is affected.  Pope Francis gave us a message that we cannot be healthy on a sick planet.  It is a hope that this webinar can help the attendees in coping with the information needed to respond to health needs of individual affected by the ecological crisis.

Some questions that you may have in mind or you want to answer:

• How resilient is your household to withstand the ecological crisis and disaster?
• Do you have the resources that you need?
• How do you prepare for specific risks associated with natural disasters?
• What do we need to be aware of to lessen the impact of the ecological crisis in community?
• What is your disaster healthcare recovery plan?
• What can you do to lessen the impact on the health?

Visit the free webinar below brought by the Catholic Healthcare Association, our congregation's partner in health related faith-based resources.  

Date: March 25, 2026

Time: 3:00 PM - 4:00 PM EST

Who: Dr. Sheetal Khedkar Rao, MD

Assistant Professor of Clinical Medicine in the Department of Academic Internal Medicine

How: Register here for Catholic Healthcare Association's Webinar on CHA Responding to Ecological Crisis

Resources:

https://ignatiansolidarity.net/papal-encyclical-on-ecology-2015/

https://catholicclimatecovenant.org/

https://www.chausa.org/focus-areas/environment/laudato-si

https://laudatosimovement.org/

https://www.who.int/news-room/fact-sheets/detail/climate-change-and-health

Vigil in Solidarity with Families on March 24 9AM PT/11AM CT/12 ET

Never before in a long time that migrants and people of color have been in fear.  People are protesting, being the voice of those who are not able to seek refuge and put in detention, separated and not able to be with their families, and children afraid and feeling lost without a support that they can rely on.

The fear in our communities due to what is happening in United States is real especially among the people who are marginalized.  How do we use our faith to carry on and know that God is with us?   Mary and Joseph traveled from Bethlehem to Egypt (Mt 2:14) to protect Jesus from the massacre of the innocents and from Egypt to Nazareth (Mt. 2:23).  Some people might associate themselves with the situation of the Holy Family.  Some would see their story as something different.  However, we want to call Jesus, Mary and Joseph, we know that there was persecution during their time.   

• What kind of persecution are we living in this generation?  
• How do we cultivate peace in the period of chaos and uncertainty?
• How is love for our neighbor being lived by the people of today?

For those who would like to be in solidarity with those who could not find a place to stay, or those who could not be welcomed,  and for those who are living in fear and anxiety, this is an invitation to pray, and to contemplate, and offer your time with God who is always present, loving, and gentle.

The Ignatian Solidarity Network is having.a vigil to pray in faith and not fear among with the school community with faculty, students, and administrators.

Faith Not Fear Virtual Vigil for Migrants | Tuesday March 24, 12:00pm ET/9:00am PT/11:00 AM CT

Refer to this website for more information

Newsletter in Spring (March-2026)

 Click the image to expand and view the newsletter.

Global Prayer for Peace Across Traditions March 26 9:00 CDT

Millions of people continued to be displaced because of war in the Middle East.  There is an increasing growing tension and hate due to the war causing more disasters and suffering among the people.  Pope Leo XIV has been pleading for peace in the Middle East.  He appeals to the national leaders for an end of US-Iran war.  He calls on leaders to have the ceasefire and open the door for political and diplomatic dialogue.  

USCCB supports the pontiff in praying for peace and calling on the leaders to end the war. The USCCB Bishops are even more vocal on their disagreement with war.  The president Archbishop Paul Coakley highlighting the importance that all nations', and organizations' commitment to peace will have a concrete effort to prevent escalating the war that is already on high alert. Archbishop Mc Elroy was upfront with his opposition on war and the rhetoric of the country's president on preventive war.  The Vatican Cardinal Pierbattista Pizzaballa, the Patriarch of Jerusalem, reminded that using God to justify war is the gravest sin.  

The World Council of Churches (WCC) is asking the people of faith and goodwill in all churches, congregations, and communities across the globe of all traditions and in various contexts to pray for peace in shared space, primarily offering the intentions for Middle East.  The council published a joint statement in their request for prayer with their deep concern for humanitarian and social impact of the war in Middle East.  It will be held online on March 26 15:00 CET or March 26 9:00 AM CT.   People n the Middle East and those with internal conflict in these surrounding areas are longing for justice, peace, and reconciliation.  

Register to get the link to the online prayer for peace on March 26 9AM CT from the World Council of Churches here.

To read the joint statement of the World Council of Churches on this request praying for the deep concern for humanitarian and social impact in Middle East: here

In addition to the invitation above, a prayer for peace is posted from Pope Leo with the awareness that the Middle East is facing justice and peace crisis: here which is also below in text.

In the name of the Father, and of the Son, and of the Holy Spirit. Amén.

 

Lord of Life,

you shaped every human being in your image and likeness.

We believe you created us for communion, not for war,

for fraternity, not for destruction.

 

You who greeted your disciples saying, “Peace be with you,”

grant us the gift of your peace

and the strength to make it a reality in history.

Today we lift up our prayer for peace in the world,

asking that nations renounce weapons

and choose the path of dialogue and diplomacy.

 

Disarm our hearts of hatred, resentment, and indifference,

so we may become instruments of reconciliation.

Help us understand that true security

does not come from control fueled by fear,

but from trust, justice, and solidarity among peoples.

 

Lord, enlighten the leaders of the nations,

so they may have the courage to abandon projects of death,

halt the arms race,

and place the lives of the most vulnerable at the center.

May the nuclear threat never again dictate the future of humanity.

 

Holy Spirit,

make us faithful and creative builders of daily peace:

in our hearts, our families,

our communities, and our cities.

May every kind word, every gesture of reconciliation,

and every choice for dialogue be seeds of a new world.

 

Amen.