By Herald Malaysia
PENANG – A decade after Pope Francis released Laudato Si’, his landmark encyclical on environmental stewardship and social justice, its call to action continues to resonate— this time from the heart of Penang.
On May 21, the Penang State Creation Justice Commission (CJC) unveiled the first in a seven-part video series addressing consumerism as a major driver of environmental degradation. The initiative is part of a broader effort to bring Pope Francis’ message of ecological conversion into everyday life, particularly within the Catholic community.
“This isn’t just about reducing plastic bags or switching off lights,” said Magdalene Chiang, a resource person with the Penang CJC. “It’s about examining the culture of convenience and consumption that quietly shapes our choices and harms our environment.”
Titled Beyond the Cart, the first video draws inspiration from Mary Madaleine’s book of the same name, inviting viewers to reflect on how purchasing decisions are not just economic transactions, but moral acts.
The video features the quote from Laudato Si’: “Purchasing is always a moral and not simply economic act,” underscoring how everyday habits contribute to larger ecological challenges.
The series is designed to educate and inspire action among Catholics by linking consumer behaviour with environmental impact. It aligns with pastoral directions from the 2024 Peninsular Malaysia Regional Pastoral Assembly, which called for “a spirituality which rejects the culture of consumerism and upholds creation justice.”
Each video in the series will tackle a different facet of consumerism — from the historical roots of mass production to the modern pressures of fast fashion, online shopping, and AI-driven advertising. The CJC emphasises practical, faith-rooted responses, encouraging viewers to embrace simplicity and intentional living.
“This video is both an awareness tool and an invitation,” Magdalene explained. “We want to help people rediscover the joy of having enough, and to see consumption through the lens of conscience and care.”
The Creation Justice Commission, which focuses on ecological evangelisation, hopes the series will serve as a versatile resource. The videos can be used in catechism classes (CEC), RCIA programmes, or as part of a parish-wide reflection series, with each short film followed by group discussion or personal reflection.
The full series is expected to be completed by the Season of Creation later this year. The initiative echoes the message of Laudato Si’ — that systemic change begins with individuals and communities making intentional choices, rooted in faith and guided by the Gospel.
Quoting Jesus’ words from Luke 12:15 — “Watch out! Be on your guard against all kinds of greed; life does not consist in an abundance of possessions”—the series reminds viewers that mindful living is not only spiritually enriching but urgently necessary in a time of ecological crisis.
The first video is now available on the CJC’s YouTube channel: https:// www.youtube.com/@ PgCJCPenangState, with a QR code provided for easy access.
The author of ‘Beyond the Cart’, Mary Madaleine is a parishioner of the Cathedral of St John the Evangelist in Kuala Lumpur.
