Invitation to Laudato Si' Week from the Director of Caritas Dalat

❖   Day 1 (May 22): Contemplation and thanksgiving

There is mysterious meaning in every leaf, on the cliff, in the dew, on the face of the poor (LS 233).

Take a walk in nature and observe your surroundings slowly. Notice some formations that attract your attention: a cloud, a large tree, a butterfly... Linger and be present with what is. Thank God for those things.

❖   Day 2 (May 23): Fresh air

At the moment of creation, God breathed life into man. Through breathing, we connect with all things - plants absorb the carbon dioxide we exhale and return oxygen to the air in a harmonious exchange.

But in today's modern life, 'exposure to atmospheric pollutants creates a range of health risks, especially for the poor, and causes millions of premature deaths' (LS 20).

Walk or bike on short distances to reduce dust and air pollution.

❖   Day 3 (May 24): Water source

Clean water is an issue of vital importance, as it is indispensable for human life and for supporting terrestrial and aquatic ecosystems. (LS 28). Nowadays, every day, unsafe water sources cause many deaths and the spread of water-related diseases... Cholera and dysentery are the main causes of suffering and death in infants (LS.29).

Please check to see if there is any water leak in your house? In what ways can we save water? Invite your neighbors to clear the sewers and clean the water sources around your residence

❖   Day 4 (May 25): Food

Approximately one-third of the food produced is thrown away, and “wherever food is thrown away it is as if it had been stolen from the tables of the poor” (LS.50). And at the same time, statistics show that every day over 800 million people have to go to bed hungry.

Think about whether you throw away leftover food or not? Cook just enough and save it to share with those who lack food around you

Today, please resolve to abstain from meat and choose plant-based dishes for the sake of your common home.

❖   Day 5 (May 26): Energy

It is a mistake to think that "there is always an infinite source of energy and resources available that can be quickly renewed" (LS 106).

Turn off electrical equipment when not needed!

Unplugging the plug, the charger and turning off the power to the wifi transmitter at night will help save a lot of electrical energy.

❖   Day 6 (May 27): Shopping habits

The market tends to promote extreme consumption to sell products, so people are easily caught up in a whirlwind of unnecessary shopping and spending... The emptier a person's soul is, the more things they need to buy, own and consume (LS 204).

Appreciate each person and each thing, learn to get used to the simplest things and enjoy them (LS 223). Join or form a used goods exchange group in your community.

❖   Day 7 (May 28): Agricultural chemicals

Chemical products used in large agricultural areas can lead to bioaccumulation in the bodies of local people. (LS 21)

Grow more crops in your garden and find ways to reduce chemicals in farming and animal husbandry. Instead, use compost and natural foods, especially stop using herbicides, which contain cancer-causing germs for you and the community.

❖   Day 8 (May 29): Act together

We know that things can change. Humanity still has the ability to build a common home together (LS 13)