Don Bosco School of Theology, Philippines, secures international partnerships for Laudato Si’ program

Don Bosco School of Theology (DBST) obtained the support of the Vatican’s Ecology and Creation Office and the Dicastery for Promoting Integral Human Development in advocating the Laudato Si’ Certified Environmental Trainer Curriculum during the meetings held in Rome last June 6-7, 2023.

In these meetings, Fr. Francis Gustilo, SDB, President of DBST, thoroughly discussed the Laudato Si’ Certified Environmental Trainer Curriculum with Fr. Joshtrom Isaac Kureethadam, Head of the Ecology & Creation Office, as well as with the representatives of the Dicastery for Promoting Integral Human Development. Fr. Gustilo explained that the objectives, structure, and methodology utilized in the curriculum are rooted in Pope Francis’s encyclical, Laudato Si. The program aims to train individuals to become environmental leaders who will promote ecological conversion with the use of theological content, ecological knowledge, and technical skills.

Having seen that DBST’s curriculum is aligned with the goals of the Vatican’s Ecology and Creation Office, Fr. Kureethadam gave his full support and expressed his interest in exploring possible collaborations. The Dicastery for Promoting Integral Human Development on the other hand, provided feedback and suggestions especially in terms of widespread promotion by utilizing platforms such as the Vatican News and other media outlets.

Specific details are yet to be discussed and finalized but one thing is for sure; DBST and the Vatican’s Ecology and Creation Office are committed to promoting ecological conversion as well as the teachings of Laudato Si’.