On Monday 16 January, we watched “The Letter” together, a film about the encyclical ‘Laudato Si’ in which Pope Francis enters into dialogue with activists from groups that are not sufficiently heard on the world stage: the poor, indigenous peoples, young people and scientists representing the animal and plant world.
About 100 people were present for the introduction by Karel Malfliet. He dwelt on the core of Pope Francis’ discourse around ecology and ended with a beautiful poem. A poem that expresses the hope that encounters within our universal family, may lead to fundamental change.
You can still consult Karel Malfliet’s presentation here in French.
Just over 70 participants participated in the follow-up discussion. At first they shared how they experienced the film. The stories of the main characters in the film were felt to be very moving. Later, many shared a sense of powerlessness and a frustration at the little one can do as an individual. At the same time, there is strength and energy to take steps both in one’s own life, and within the wider society. Some share clever ways to increase your individual impact, such as moving your savings into an account at an ecological bank. Others are already planning actions such as organising screenings of the film Laudato Si themselves.
Would you like to see the movie too? Or would you like to share it with your friends and family? Watch online through this link: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Rps9bs85BII&t=751s
Would you like more info about the film or the people in the film, or would you like to organise a screening yourself? Please visit the website for the film: www.theletterfilm.org