Laudato si film “The Letter” screened in Kolkata Archdiocese

The Social Communications Commission of Calcutta Archdiocese held a private screening of The Letter, a documentary film by the Laudato Si' Movement, featuring Pope Francis as the protagonist and five leaders representing the voices of Indigenous people, the youth, the poor and the wildlife.

Several Priests, the religious, heads of diocesan Commissions and groups and leaders of Parish Environmental Cells were present. It was a great opportunity for all to be in tune with the Pope’s vision of Care for Our Common Home - Earth.

Archbishop Thomas D’Souza of Calcutta gave a short introduction to the film. He said that he had watched it at the FABC Conference, in Bangkok in October and found it “excellent” and thought-provoking. 

Guests at the screening included Reverend Father Raphael Hyde SJ, Jesuit Provincial, and the Very Reverend Dominic Gomes, Vicar General of the archdiocese.

The 1.2-hour film was followed by group reflection, led by Father Franklin Menezes, Pro-Vicar of the Cathedral, who admitted he was “moved to tears,” while watching the film in preparation for his moderation of the reflections. 

The audience shared many perspectives from their viewing during the reflection.

Besides the realization of how fearful the situation seemed, the sacredness of the ecology and the desire to treat it with due respect are powerfully proposed by the film.

Archdiocesan Social Communications Director commented that it was time that protection of the environment became a diocesan policy, instead of just having good intentions.

With clear rules and guidelines implemented, such a large network as the church could make a measurable impact. He appealed to the archbishop and other leaders present to consider this urgently.