EAO, 17 April 2021 -- As is the case every year, 22 April is being celebrated as Earth Day at the Global level by millions of people.

In Cambodia or Laos we have seen tree planting going on during these days.

In South Korea we can follow the Novena (9 day prayer) from 14-22 April launching the the Catholic Environment Movement. For each day, they propose one element of the 'Earth' - like Light (15) - Sky (16) - Soil (17) - Water (18) - Plants (19) - Animals (20) - Human (21) and 'Resting Day' (22).

Our Mongolian Salesian Youth have contributed with their very meaningful 'logo like' piece of art that becomes the 'icon' for this 2021 Earth Day around the 23 EAO countries.

A collage video composed by DBGA - EAO ECO TEAM with contribution from all EAO provinces is being prepared along the lines of this prayer:

Almighty God, every creature is created by the power of your love.

We thank you for giving us our Mother Earth, our home;

from which we are fed and raised,

for the warmth of the sun,

for the ever blowing winds,

for the days filled with singing birds;

and for the splendour of the universe.

When You created Earth and everything in it,

Your creation was given into our care.

In obedience to you, we beseech you

Grant us the grace to grow deeper in our respect and care for Your creation;

inspire us to use and conserve the riches of creation with wisdom,

and to ensure that these blessings are shared by all;

Encourage us to act now for the good of future generations and all your creatures.

Guide us to become instruments of a new creation,

founded on the covenant of your love.

Amen.

NB: Earth Day was first celebrated in the USA since 1970 but 20 years later became a worldwide event with participation of more than 193 countries.