Contact: Mike Virgintino, Maryknoll Fathers and Brothers, 914-941-7636 ext 2219

MARYKNOLL, N.Y., May 1, 2012 /Standard Newswire/ -- "Care of Creation," with stories that reflect Maryknoll's concern for and commitment to the good stewardship of God's creation, is the theme for the May-June issues of Maryknoll magazine and the Spanish-language Revista Maryknoll. Both magazines are published by the Maryknoll Fathers and Brothers, the foreign mission society of the Roman Catholic Church in the United States. Current and recently published issues of both Maryknoll magazines can be viewed online here.

During the autumn of 2008, at its XII General Chapter, the Maryknoll Society strengthened its concern for the world environment and promised to become more conversant with issues of ecology and the integrity of creation.

"While most of us have spent our lives working with and ministering to the poor and vulnerable around the world, only a few were connecting the dots and realizing that the degradation of our local environment was contributing to the health problems and exploitation of many people," said Father Edward M. Dougherty, superior general, Maryknoll Fathers and Brothers. "It was usually at the nexus of this realization that certain Maryknollers began to inform themselves about how environmental issues were related to justice concerns."

Worldwide Stewardship

"Taking Care of God's Creation," an article by Father Lawrence Radice that appears in both editions of Maryknoll's magazines, explains that Maryknoll missioners see stewardship of the earth as a moral imperative.

As a young priest, Father Radice was arrested in Africa for taking a picture of a tree. He did not know that the tree was near a secret military base. When he explained to police that it was the tree that was important to him, the interrogating officer scoffed and could not believe a priest would care about a tree. Twenty years later, Father Radice of Denver, Colorado, continues to explain that everyone, not just priests, should be concerned about the environment. He has used his science background to promote holistic agriculture with students in Myanmar and China.

Two of the many Maryknoll environmental programs around the world, one overseen by a member of the Maryknoll Society and the other administered by the Maryknoll Congregation, are featured in both editions of the magazines.

The Maryknoll Society program is the ministry of Brother Lawrence Kenning from St. Augusta, Minnesota. Brother Kenning raises awareness of the need to protect the environment in the increasingly urbanized city of Cochabamba, Bolivia.

"I'd like to build a Christian culture where people live simply, help each other and waste nothing," said Brother Kenning, who grew up on a family dairy farm. "At the very least, don't ruin the environment, which is what we need for life, to have a future for people, animals, plants and all life."

The other program allows the Maryknoll Sisters to rely on science and faith at their ecological sanctuary in Baguio, Philippines. They raise awareness about damage to the environment and help increase appreciation for the beauty of nature.

Marilyn Santos Profile

A profile about Marilyn Santos, one of the highest-ranking Hispanic women in Catholic ministry, is featured in the current issue of Revista Maryknoll. Ms. Santos serves as president of La Red (National Catholic Network de Pastoral Juvenil Hispana), a national movement of 40,000 Catholic Hispanic youth leaders that is supported by the U.S. Conference of Catholic Bishops (USCCB) and emerged from the National Catholic Conference of Hispanic Ministry.

"I believe we're all born with this innate desire to know God," Marilyn Santos told Maryknoll. "It manifests itself in different ways, and in some of us it's nurtured."

For the Pontifical Mission Societies in the United States and at the Vatican, Ms. Santos recently was named the director of youth and young adult outreach as well as the coordinator of Mission Corps, a convening platform and clearinghouse for young adults who are seeking an authentic mission experience.

The Maryknoll Fathers and Brothers follow Jesus in serving the poor and others in need in 28 countries that include the U.S. All Catholics are called to mission through baptism and confirmation, and Maryknoll’s mission education outreach in parishes and schools throughout the country engages U.S. Catholics in mission through vocations, prayer, donations and as volunteers. Maryknoll missioners share God’s love and the Gospel in combating poverty, providing healthcare, building communities and promoting human rights. For more information, visit the Maryknoll Fathers and Brothers (maryknollsociety.org).