Environmental Stewardship, Hispanic Ministry Featured in Maryknoll Magazines

“Care of Creation,” with stories that reflect Maryknoll’s concern for and commitment to the good stewardship of God’s creation, is the theme for the May-June issues of Maryknoll magazine and the Spanish-language Revista Maryknoll. A profile about Marilyn Santos, one of the highest-ranking Hispanic women in Catholic ministry, also is featured in Revista Maryknoll.

Both magazines are published by the Maryknoll Fathers and Brothers.

“While most of us have spent our lives working with and ministering to the poor and vulnerable around the world, only a few were connecting the dots and realizing that the degradation of our local environment was contributing to the health problems and exploitation of many people,” said Father Edward M. Dougherty, superior general, Maryknoll Fathers and Brothers. “It was usually at the nexus of this realization that certain Maryknollers began to inform themselves about how environmental issues were related to justice concerns.”

Worldwide Stewardship

Both magazines feature Father Lawrence Radice’s article, “Taking Care of God’s Creation.” He explains that Maryknoll missioners see stewardship of the earth as a moral imperative. Father Radice, who has used his science background to promote holistic agriculture in Myanmar and China, writes that everyone, not just priests, should be concerned about the environment.

Two of the many Maryknoll environmental programs around the world (one overseen by a member of the Maryknoll Society and the other administered by the Maryknoll Congregation) are featured in both editions of the magazines.

The Maryknoll Society program is the ministry of Brother Lawrence Kenning. He raises awareness of the need to protect the environment in the increasingly urbanized city of Cochabamba, Bolivia.

“I’d like to build a Christian culture where people live simply, help each other and waste nothing,” said Brother Kenning, who grew up on a family dairy farm.

The other program allows the Maryknoll Sisters to rely on science and faith at their ecological sanctuary in Baguio, Philippines. They raise awareness about damage to the environment and help increase appreciation for the beauty of nature.

Getting To Know Santos

The article in Revista Maryknoll about Marilyn Santos explains her work as president of La Red (National Catholic Network de Pastoral Juvenil Hispana), a national movement of 40,000 Catholic Hispanic youth leaders.

“I believe we’re all born with this innate desire to know God,” Santos told Maryknoll. “It manifests itself in different ways, and in some of us it’s nurtured.”

For the Pontifical Mission Societies in the United States and at the Vatican, Santos recently was named the director of youth and young adult outreach as well as the coordinator of Mission Corps, which helps young adults find an authentic mission experience.