Hi friends and happy Earth Day!
We’re so excited to bring you this interview with Christine Lacayo, multilingual writer and passionate environmental storyteller! Here at ESS, Christie and I are continually learning how to print and distribute Catholic prayer resources as ethically and sustainably as possible. A key part of that is tapping into the knowledge of experts, so we were thrilled to be introduced to Christine, co-owner and Communications Director at the sustainability focused Siembra Studios. We hope her story inspires you to discern where God is calling you to say “Yes!”, and to dive in as passionately as Christine!
Enjoy! —Kassie
“Science and religion have always been harmonious for me” — Christine Lacayo dives into the complimentary nature of her work as an environmental writer and her Catholic faith.
Tell us a little bit about yourself. What has your faith journey been like? How did you become an environmental writer?
I’m Christine Lacayo, a multilingual content writer and copywriter for the earth adventurers and explorers of our faith. Born in Miami and raised in Atlanta, Georgia with parents from Costa Rica and Nicaragua, I’m a cradle Catholic and learned about my faith through the eyes of my devout Latino parents. We grew up with all the sacraments, going to Mass on Sundays and praying our prayers, but our faith wasn’t necessarily the center of our lives. When I left home for college at Florida State University, I continued to follow and practice my beliefs, but I lived very much with one foot dipped into the secular world and one foot in my Catholic roots. It was actually being surrounded by nonbelievers that pushed me to learn and study more about my faith and what I believed, with their questions of doubt and criticism.
My writing journey began one summer after watching the film, “The Cove”, about the dolphin slaughter in Taiji, Japan. In college I started speaking and writing about this issue and other sustainability topics. I felt this was my small way of encouraging others to stay informed about social and environmental issues around the world.
I continued my studies with a Master’s in Environmental Management and Sustainable Development at St. Edward's University in Austin, Texas. Here, I fell in love with the importance of connecting people to nature and social justice through the values and mission of the founders of my alma mater, The Congregation of Holy Cross. I now use my business to help brands that share my values of faith and care for our environment to build their audience, and brand awareness through multilingual content writing.
Describe a particular moment or experience in nature that influenced you spiritually. What did you learn from that experience?
One summer I volunteered with Fauna and Flora International (FFI) working at a sea turtle nesting camp in Estero Padre Ramos, Nicaragua. Estero Padre Ramos is a critical Hawksbill sea turtle nesting region in an economically impoverished town. We would hire the local poachers to work with us, where they would make significantly more than what they would selling turtle eggs on the black market (many had been pushed to become poachers at a young age to bring home money for their families). This encouraged poachers to understand sea turtles through the lens of tourism and conservation, rather than as a commodity. They welcomed us, broke bread with us, and very clearly practiced gratitude.
One particular night, after finding and helping a nesting turtle, I felt very connected to God. We watched as this amazing sea creature slowly made her way out of the ocean, found her safe spot to dig her hole with her back flippers, and then with great effort started pushing her eggs out one by one. Not knowing we were behind her collecting her eggs as carefully as possible, she covered her nest quickly with all the sand that surrounded her. She then began her way back to her home — confident and assured that she had just delivered her next generation of offspring. I felt proud that I was doing my part to help conserve and protect this delicate offspring. These early moments of working with the ocean in my dad’s country pushed me to continue exploring this interconnectedness between my faith and the protection of our common home.
Christine felt God’s presence when protecting nature in her family’s native Nicaragua, leading her to pursue a career in environmental writing.
How does being a Catholic compliment your work as an environmentalist?
Science and religion have always been harmonious for me. In a lot of ways, our Catholic worldview enabled modern science as we know it today. Many people don’t know this, but the Catholic Church can be accredited as the largest source of scientific discoveries and inventions in the world. Hospitals were invented by the Catholic Church to follow in Christ’s footsteps of healing and caring for the sick and the poor. The Catholic Church also created universities as independent centers of learning and the Jesuits are known for their numerous scientific contributions.
Catholic scientists and explorers have also led some of world’s greatest scientific discoveries. Belgian priest Georges Lemaître invented the Big Bang model and Augustinian monk Gregor Mendel founded the field of genetics. Others include Anthony of the Desert, Nicolaus Copernicus, Saint Catherine of Siena, Saint Kateri Tekakwitha, Saint Augustine, Saint Hildegard, Saint Francis of Assisi, and Saint Albert the Great, just to name a few!
One thing these Catholic scientists and explorers shared is knowing that science alone can’t tell us why the universe is the way it is. As Christians, we know the universe is the way it is because of God’s will. It’s through faith that we understand and accept the divine; not through science. My faith — and the Catholic scientists, monks, friars, and explorers who paved the way before me — are what give me fuel and inspiration as a Catholic environmental storyteller!
What are some practical decisions, habits, or tips you have for Catholics that want to focus on care for creation through increased sustainability?
Start by learning about caring for and protecting our environment and natural systems. Documentaries can be helpful to get the big picture, and then I recommend picking a specific area that interests you to dive deeper with further reading. My list of favorite environmental films and books is here. It’s also important to just go outside and experience nature often! Fall in love with nature by spending time in it.
I’m a big advocate of environmental storytelling. Once you learn how to understand a system or an issue, you learn to love it, and when you love it, you want to protect it. Storytelling will lead you through that journey of discovery and love. After all, that’s how I fell in love with the ocean! The Catholic Climate Covenant also has more resources and activities to get involved in protecting our earth.
We're so glad you're part of our ESS fam! Can you share how ESS has impacted your prayer life?
My Every Sacred Sunday journal has really helped my focus and attention at Mass. My mind used to often wander and not be fully present while in Mass. Now that I use the ESS Mass journal, I’m able to read the readings right in front me. The notes section really helps me grasp a deeper understanding of the homily, and it pushes me to write down the central message I’m taking away with me for the week ahead.
Where can people reach you with any questions or to learn more about your work?
My contact form on my website is here — reach out anytime!
