Ateneo , Manila Observatory hold Forum on Laudato Si'

Quezon City, August 13, 2015 - Ateneo de Manila University and the Manila Observatory today held a forum on Laudato Si', the second encyclical letter of Pope Francis.

Held at the Henry Lee Erwin SJ Theatre inside the Ateneo de Manila University campus in Loyola Heights , the event was an opportunity to discuss the pope's letter concerning environmental challenges confronting humanity.

Released on June 18, 2015, the encyclical letter opens with the phrase " Laudato si, mi Signore", which means " Be praised , my Lord. It was taken from St. Francis of Assisi's 13th century Canticle of the Sun, which praises God for the creation of creatures including earth, sun, moon and stars.

" We hope you will continue to journey with us as we find ourselves confronting the challenges of tomorrow's world today. The values of integrity in the pursuit of excellence in scientific research are at the core of this mission. Understanding the science of disasters involving interaction of the atmosphere , land and ocean, and the risks they pose to human development and inclusive growth are now at its forefront," says Antonia Yulo- Loyzaga, Manila Observatory Executive Director.

His Eminence Luis Antonio Tagle, Archbishop of Manila, gave the keynote address. The forum also brought together personalities in the academe , business , government , church, and civi society. Fr. Jose Ramon T. Villarin SJ (Ateneo de Manila University), Dr. Gemma Teresa  Narisma ( Manla Observatory, Fr., Anna Maries Karaos ( John Caroll Institute on Church and Social issues. Mr. Edgar Chua ( Shell, Companies n the Phiulippines) shared views on the issue.Tima Monzon-Palma mderated te programm.

The forum was orgnazed in response to this land mark encyclical and as part olf tje 150 th Year Anniversy , of the Manla Observatory -the scientific apostolate of the Jesuits founded in  1865 by Fr. Federico Faura S. J that is grounded on the Ignitian tradition of service and excellence