By Kisembo Immaculate | Publication Editor / Programs Manager, LYI. Beloved Sower of Peace and Hope, We warmly welcome you to the 11th edition of Laudato Voices Magazine, August 2025. We give thanks to God for guiding us through the first half of the year and granting us yet another opportunity to share inspiring stories of faith, peace, and hope for creation. As we continue to marvel at the beauty and wonder of our common home, we are reminded of the urgent call to protect and preserve it for future generations, and to respond to our responsibility as stewards of the future.
This Edition’s Theme: “Sowing Seeds of Peace and Hope for Creation”
In this issue, we explore our theme by highlighting the tireless efforts of our Laudato Youth through their Laudato Si’ Clubs, as well as the inspiring actions of individuals and communities across the nation. These champions are taking bold steps to care for our common home, drawing inspiration from:
• Catholic Social Teachings on the environment
• Pope Francis’ ecological encyclicals – Laudato Si’ and Laudate Deum
• The call in The Letter documentary
• Our country’s environmental laws
Honoring the Legacy of Pope Francis
We take a moment to honor and pray for the Late Pope Francis, whose enduring legacy continues to inspire the global Church. His teachings, including Laudato Si’ and Laudate Deum, his final call to ecological action remain alive in our hearts. As we reflect on his profound impact, we also extend a heartfelt welcome to Pope Leo XIV. We share our collective hopes for his papacy, as expressed in the May issue of The Tablet Magazine and the INSPIRE quarterly edition for Young Catholics, titled “The Pope of Our Own.”
National and International Engagement
Much has unfolded since our last edition in April:
• Laudato Si’ Clubs across the country have been actively engaged in various environmental activities.
• Our leadership team participated in the Vatican Africa Conference in Nairobi, where our Clubs’ President enriched discussions on climate resilience and youth engagement.
• We also joined the Laudato Si’ Africa Conference 2025, under the theme “10 Years After Laudato Si’: Where is Africa?” This continental gathering brought together delegates from the U.S., South America, Europe, and Africa. Together, we:
• Told stories of ecological conversion among youth
• Explored the synergies between Pope Francis’ vision and African traditional knowledge systems
Our “Laudato Si’ Clubs” Implementation Model and Key Initiatives
Our presence included participation in a panel discussion, where we presented the Laudato Si’ Clubs model and key initiatives such as:
• Laudato Si’ Green Festival
• Climate Smart Agroecology
• Innovating for Agriculture
• Community engagement to fight hunger and poverty
• Digital storytelling to shift the narrative
• Our ambitious One Million Tree Planting Drive
Spotlight: The Second Laudato Si’ Green Festival 2025
This edition puts a spotlight on our Second Laudato Si’ Green Festival, held at Holy Cross Lake View S.S.S in Jinja. The festival was inspired by:
• The promulgation of the Mass of Creation
• The Creation Mass celebrated by Pope Leo XIV on July 9th
• The Jubilee of Youth/Digital Missionaries
• The 10th Anniversary of Laudato Si’
This vibrant event brought together students, educators, and community leaders in a powerful celebration of creation care and sustainable living.
Voices of Youth: Reflections and Action
Our Laudato Voices section features the views and opinions of young people on a range of vital issues:
• SDGs
• Pollution
• Mental Health
• Climate Change
• Air Quality
• Farming as a value
We also highlight action activities led by our network of Laudato Si’ Clubs. These stories not only inspire but also call you to be part of our “Small Hands, Big Footprints” youth-led climate initiative.
A Call to Contemplation and Action
As we deepen our understanding of integral ecology and explore creative ways to celebrate our interconnection with nature and the sacredness of our world, we are reminded that: Every seed sown—no matter how small—can shape a more just and sustainable future.
May this edition encourage you to sow seeds of peace and hope, working towards a world where creation is cherished and protected. Together, let us nurture a brighter future for all. May God bless you! For God and My Country. Laudato Youth Initiative: United for Climate Action
