Laudato Si in Lantau

Fr. Jojo Ancheril, a Claretian missionary and assistant parish priest at Epiphany Parish in Mui Wo, has been instrumental in fostering spiritual and communal renewal in Tai O, a historic fishing village on Lantau Island. His work aligns closely with the ethos of *Laudato Si’*, blending ecological awareness with pastoral care.  

Key Initiatives and Contributions

1. Meet St. Joseph Exhibition

   In 2021, Fr. Jojo organized the *Meet St. Joseph* exhibition at Our Lady of Perpetual Help Chapel, commemorating the 150th anniversary of St. Joseph’s designation as patron of the universal Church. The exhibition featured art, videos, and a striking 3-meter statue of the *Sleeping St. Joseph*, a devotion popularized by Pope Francis. Pilgrims were encouraged to place prayer intentions under the statue, symbolizing trust in divine providence and intercession .  

   - **Connection to Laudato Si’**: The exhibition emphasized humility, silent service, and care for family—values mirroring the encyclical’s call for selfless stewardship of creation. St. Joseph’s role as a protector resonates with ecological guardianship. As we are preparing to celebrate the 10 th anniversary of Laudato Si good to reflect of the effects of fruits of this initiative in Tai O and Yih O 

2. **Community Engagement**:  

   Fr. Jojo’s efforts extend to revitalizing Tai O’s Catholic heritage. The chapel, reopened in 2012, serves as a hub for spiritual activities and preparations for its 2023 centenary. His work emphasizes preserving cultural and spiritual roots while fostering inclusivity—a theme echoed in *Laudato Si’*’s advocacy for *social ecology* .  

3. **Integrating Faith and Ecology**:  

   While not explicitly detailed in the search results, the Claretians’ global advocacy for justice and environmentalism—such as their participation in UN forums and Earth Hour events—suggests that Fr. Jojo’s ministry likely incorporates ecological education and sustainable practices, aligning with the congregation’s focus on *Justice, Peace, and Integrity of Creation (JPIC)* 

### **Synthesis: Laudato Si’ in Action**  

Fr. Jojo’s work exemplifies the encyclical’s vision by:  

- **Promoting Humility and Service**: St. Joseph’s quiet dedication mirrors the encyclical’s call to reject exploitation and embrace sacrificial love .  

- **Fostering Community Resilience**: By revitalizing Tai O’s spiritual heritage, he strengthens social bonds essential for addressing ecological and economic challenges .  

- **Encouraging Contemplation**: The emphasis on prayer and reflection aligns with *Laudato Si’*’s invitation to see nature as a “sacrament of communion” .  

In conclusion, Fr. Jojo Ancheril’s mission in Tai O embodies the Claretian commitment to integrating faith, justice, and care for creation—a living response to Pope Francis’ urgent call in *Laudato Si’*.