We are a generation that needs more unity and God to effectively use our gifts, to tailor effectively the innovations and technological advancements that we live with. Science is not the absence of God. Science is knowing God and giving him the reverence that is due in our lives.
The visit to sites associated with St. Francis of Assisi and Blessed Carlo Acutis in Rome was a profound experience that deepened my faith and commitment to environmental stewardship as part of the year-long Pilgrimage of Green Hope, commemorating the Jubilee Year of Hope.
St. Francis of Assisi and His Church
The journey began at the Basilica of St. Francis of Assisi, where I was struck by the saint’s deep connection to nature and simplicity. St. Francis, known as the patron saint of ecology, emphasized the importance of caring for God’s creation, a principle that resonates with the Laudato Youth Initiative’s mission. I reflected on St. Francis’s famous prayer, “Lord, make me an instrument of your peace,” recognizing that promoting environmental justice is essential for achieving peace in the world.
Olive Gardens
Next, I walked through the famous olive gardens near the basilica of St. Clare, the inspiration for me was of peace and abundance fruits from man’s sanctifying activity of work. It reminded me of the importance of the home kitchen gardens we have in Uganda. The olive tree is often associated with resilience and hope, qualities that are vital for young environmental advocates. In these gardens, I participated in a small gathering where participants shared stories of their environmental efforts, such as organizing tree-planting initiatives and community clean-ups. This experience reinforced the idea that just as olive trees endure harsh conditions, so too can young people thrive and make a difference in the face of climate challenges.
Blessed Carlo Acutis’s Tomb
The visit then continued to the tomb of Blessed Carlo Acutis, a young Italian who was beatified in 2020 and is now recognized as a model for the youth who used the media to promote devotion to the Eucharist. This reminded me of our Laudato Youth Leaders’ enduring faith to promote ecological awareness even using the media. As I stood before Carlo’s tomb, I was inspired by his dedication to using technology for the good, particularly in promoting the Eucharist and the faith among young people. Carlo’s example illustrates how youth can blend their passions with their faith, and I envisioned ways to enhance more digital storytelling innovations into the Laudato Youth Initiative to raise awareness about climate issues. We had a community Mass in the Parish Church where his body rests which was a great inspiration and moment of communion in prayer with a bigger East African community involved in the pilgrimage.
The Place Where Carlo’s Heart Is
A particularly moving moment occurred at the site where Carlo’s heart is displayed, symbolizing his unwavering love for God and others. The same church is where St. Francis used to go to pray before proceeding to his mission endeavors. I reflected on the importance of nurturing a compassionate heart in the pursuit of ecological justice. This experience encouraged them to think about how love for creation is intertwined with love for one another and God, emphasizing the Laudato Youth Initiative’s holistic approach to environmentalism. But most importantly the message. “The world needs us to know our neighbors (those in need, like the story of the good Samaritan), the world also needs us to know God and use our unique gifts to make him known and praised. Caring for creation could be one of the ways. Both Francis and Carlo denounced their riches to do the will of God by serving others! What Am I, are you denouncing?
The Church of St. Clare
At the church of St. Clare, I prayed for guidance and inspiration. St. Clare, a contemporary of St. Francis, dedicated her life to serving others and living simply. I was reminded that the principles of simplicity and service are essential to the Laudato Youth Initiative’s philosophy. They envisioned community outreach programs that encourage young people to engage in service projects that benefit both the environment, local communities and make God Known loved and served for the gift of creation.
Enhancing Faith in the Laudato Youth Initiative
The experiences at these sacred sites not only enriched my personal faith but also provided concrete examples to inspire fellow participants in the Pilgrimage of Green Hope. By sharing stories of St. Francis’s love for nature, Carlo Acutis’s innovative spirit, and the values of St. Clare, I should say I was renewed and empowered to encourage others to embrace their role as caretakers of the Earth and have reverence for God in their lives. Life without God is empty my dear friends.
As I concluded my pilgrimage, I recognized the unique opportunity to enhance the faith of the Laudato Youth Initiative by integrating the teachings of these saints and our Uganda Martyrs into our environmental advocacy. By promoting a message of hope, resilience, and proactive stewardship, Laudato Youth can become a catalyst for change, inspiring more people to take action in institutions and communities and champion the cause of sustainability.
The journey through these significant sites not only provided me spiritual nourishment but also reinforced the connection between faith and environmental action, aligning perfectly with the goals of the Jubilee Year of Hope. I can humbly say I returned with a renewed commitment to inspire others and lead the charge toward a more sustainable future that incorporates God in our activities. End by saying
we are a generation that needs more unity and God to effectively use our gifts, to tailor effectively the innovations and technological advancements that we live with. Science is not the absence of God. Science is knowing God and giving him the reverence that is due in our lives.
Laudato Youth Mentor
