By Laudato Voices | Season of Creation 2025 | October, 2025
The Laudato Si Club of St Andre Bessette Holy Parish is making waves in environmental conservation, inspiring a new generation of eco-conscious individuals to take action. Inspired by Pope Francis’ encyclical, the club is nurturing an eco-spiritual dimension among christians in the heart of Koch Goma.
The club’s activities kicked off with the opening of a Club at Goma Central Primary School, where over 500 pupils were enrolled. The team explained the meaning of Laudato Si, the summary of the papal encyclical, and the vision, mission, goals, and objectives of the Laudato Youth Initiative. The pupils were eager to learn and showed great enthusiasm for environmental conservation, asking insightful questions and sharing their own experiences.
As part of their Season of Creation celebrations, the club visited the homes of two fallen environmental heroes, Mr John Odaki and Mr Thomas Kidega, who were buried weeks prior. The team paid tribute to these passionate conservationists, planting memorial trees and reflecting on their legacy. At Mr Odaki’s home, they planted three avocado fruit trees and discussed healthy farm practices, deforestation, and changes in weather patterns. The club members were moved by the stories of these environmental heroes and gained valuable insights into the importance of sustainable living.
The visit to Mr Kidega’s home was particularly inspiring, with his mother, Doreen Anek, sharing her own passion for environmental conservation. At 80 years old, she is an example of dedication and commitment to caring for the Earth. Her forest of over 350 maliner trees, which she has nurtured and cared for, is a testament to her love for nature. The club also visited Mr Kidega’s grave, praying for the peaceful repose of his soul and reflecting on the impact of his life’s work.
The day’s activities culminated in a forest walk and Mass at the home of Mr John Bosco Okulo, Chairman of the Parish Pastoral Council. The Eucharistic celebration, held beneath a living stream, emphasized the importance of co-creation with God and caring for the Earth.The club members were filled with a sense of awe and wonder as they walked through the forest, taking in the sights and sounds of nature.
The homily by Fr Berry Apire C.S.C. highlighted the significance of environmental stewardship as a spiritual journey, reminding the club members that their actions have a direct impact on the world around them.
As one club member noted, “The silence of the drums of nature seen in the death of John and Thomas was replaced with the grand awakening of the Season of Creation.” The club’s solidarity with the families of these environmental heroes has restored hope and inspired a new era of environmental enthusiasts. The Laudato Si Club is a testament to the power of community and collective action, demonstrating that together, we can make a difference.
As Mr John Bosco Okulo urged, “Take on the mantle, be the next generation of co-creators with God, and be the change makers on conservation through action.” The drums are loud again, and the club is ready to lead the way.
With their passion, dedication, and commitment to environmental conservation, the Laudato Si Club is a shining example of what can be achieved when individuals come together to care for our common home.
As we reflected on the journey of our two fallen heroes, we were reminded that our individual actions are threads in a larger tapestry togetherness. Together, we can weave a brighter future for our planted, a future where humans and nature thrive in harmony.Let us continue to walk together hand in hand, and heart to heart, as we care for our common home and work towards a sustainable tomorrow. For its in togetherness that we find hope and it is in our collective action that we will create a better world for generations to come.
