The Catholic Church has released a series of recommendations ”to encourage pilgrims to walk more respectfully with the environment, our ‘Common home'”, on the eve of the celebration of the Virgin of Guadalupe on December 12 in mexico City.
Since the first days of December, millions of people from all over the world have been visiting the Marian temple, with 9 to 12 December being the days with the highest number of visitors.
Second Martí Batres Guadarrama, then head of the government of mexico city, in that period of December 2023 “more than 11 million pilgrims arrived at the Basilica of Guadalupe”.
The dimension of integral care of creation of the Conference of the Mexican Episcopate, through a press releaseindicated that while the pilgrims celebrate “their faith and devotion to the Virgin of Guadalupe” “some problems have been identified such as large waste production, food waste, excessive use of fireworks, abandoned pets, among others” .
Because of this very reason,it has shared recommendations to mitigate these issues.
How is the Catholic Church addressing environmental concerns during the Virgin of Guadalupe celebrations?
Interview: Promoting eco-Conscious Pilgrimage Practices Ahead of the Virgin of Guadalupe Celebration
Editor (Time.news): Welcome to the interview, and thank you for joining us today.With the upcoming celebration of the Virgin of Guadalupe on December 12 in Mexico City, millions of pilgrims will converge at the Basilica. Can you shed light on the Catholic ChurchS recent initiatives aimed at promoting more environmentally friendly pilgrimage practices?
Expert: thank you for having me. Indeed, the Catholic Church has released a series of recommendations aimed at encouraging pilgrims to walk more respectfully with our environment, which they refer to as our ‘Common Home’. this initiative comes as millions prepare for the significant celebrations, highlighting the need for sustainable practices during such large gatherings.
Editor: That’s an significant message, especially given the scale of participation. Can you share some insights on the number of pilgrims expected this year and the potential environmental impact of such a massive influx?
Expert: Absolutely. As reported, more than 11 million pilgrims visited the Basilica of Guadalupe from December 9 to 12 last year, and we can expect similar numbers this year. This surge creates a variety of challenges, including excessive waste production—something the Conference of the Mexican Episcopate has identified as a major concern. Increased foot traffic can lead to littering, food waste, and even abandoned pets, which raises significant environmental issues.
Editor: Those issues sound quite concerning. what specific recommendations is the Church making to mitigate these challenges during the pilgrimage?
Expert: the recommendations focus on multiple areas. Firstly, they encourage pilgrims to minimize waste by using reusable containers and bags. Reducing food waste is also critical—pilgrims are advised to bring only what they can consume and to share excess food.moreover, in regard to fireworks, which are popular during the celebrations, they suggest using alternatives that are less harmful to the environment and wildlife. It’s about finding balance and remaining respectful toward the common home we all share.
Editor: Practical advice indeed. What role do you think these recommendations will play in changing the behavior of the pilgrims over time?
Expert: These recommendations are a vital step toward instilling a culture of environmental consciousness among the faithful. While change may take time, increased awareness can lead to more sustainable practices in the long run.It’s crucial for the Church to lead by example, and by emphasizing these values during significant events like this pilgrimage, they can foster a deeper connection between faith and stewardship of the Earth.
Editor: It’s encouraging to hear that faith-based initiatives can have a ripple effect on environmental stewardship. How can pilgrims and local communities further engage with these recommendations?
Expert: Local communities can play an important role by providing resources and support for the pilgrims. Organizing clean-up initiatives, setting up recycling bins, and providing information on sustainable practices can definitely help promote responsible behavior. Furthermore,engaging pilgrims in educational activities about environmental care can leave a lasting impression,encouraging them to carry these values into their daily lives.
Editor: Thank you for these valuable insights. As we approach such a significant celebration, promoting eco-conscious practices is crucial.Any final thoughts for our readers?
Expert: I encourage everyone to embrace the spirit of the pilgrimage not only as a religious journey but also as a commitment to caring for our planet. By walking respectfully and adopting sustainable practices, we can celebrate our beliefs while also honoring the environment. Let’s make this year’s celebration of the Virgin of Guadalupe not only a time of devotion but also a testament to our dedication to preserving our ‘Common home’.
Editor: Thank you for sharing your expertise with us today. Let’s hope the recommendations resonate with pilgrims this year and lead to a more sustainable celebration.