Kitabi Seminary Hosts Inspiring Laudato Si’ Seminar, Uniting 18 Schools for the Care of Our Common Home guided by the theme “Console Our Sister and Mother, Earth”

Kitabi Seminary came alive on 4th July 2026 as it welcomed students, teachers, school administrators, and guests from 18 schools across the Archdiocese of Mbarara for a vibrant Laudato Si’ Seminar. Organized by the Laudato Si’ Club of Kitabi Seminary, the event celebrated Pope Francis’ vision of ecological conversion while inspiring participants to become active custodians of God’s creation. The seminar served as a platform for learning, sharing experiences, and strengthening collaboration among Laudato Si’ Clubs throughout the Archdiocese.

The theme “Console Our Sister and Mother, Earth.” reminded participants of the urgent responsibility to care for creation by embracing sustainable practices and promoting ecological conversion within schools and communities.

The seminar attracted representatives from different institutions including:

* Kitabi Seminary
* St. Mary’s Vocational School Kyamuhunga
* St. Charles Lwanga Kitabi Vocational Senior Secondary School
* St. Mary’s Technical Institute Kyamuhunga
* Rushanje Girls Secondary School
* Bubangizi Senior Secondary School
* St. Joseph’s Vocational School Mbarara
* Timbitwire Girls School
* Ntungamo High School
* Sacred Heart Senior Secondary School Mushanga
* St. Noah Mutara Senior Secondary School
* St. Augustine Minor Seminary – Rwera
* St. Cecilia Girls’ School Bushenyi
* Bishop Ogez High School
* St. Benedict Vocational School Kakamba
* Nyakabanga Senior Secondary School
* Boniconsilii Girls’ Vocational Secondary School
* Nkinga Vocational Secondary School, Mitooma

The gathering strengthened the network of Laudato Si’ Clubs while encouraging schools that had not yet established clubs to begin doing so.

Purpose of the Seminar

The seminar was organized to:

* Explore the reality that our common home, the Earth, is suffering.

* Promote awareness of environmental conservation.

* Deepen participants’ understanding of Pope Francis’ encyclical Laudato Si’.

* Encourage schools without Laudato Si’ Clubs to establish them.

* Share practical knowledge on managing and strengthening Laudato Si’ Clubs.

* Showcase successful environmental initiatives undertaken by schools.

* Foster collaboration among schools in implementing ecological projects.

A Day of Learning, Action, and Inspiration

The seminar began with the singing of the Laudato Si’ Anthem, Laudato si’ O mi Signore, followed by an opening prayer led by the Seminary’s General Spiritual Director. The Rector welcomed participants and officially opened the seminar, emphasizing the importance of caring for creation as a Christian responsibility.

Throughout the day, participants engaged in a variety of educational and practical activities that demonstrated the principles of Laudato Si’ in action.

One of the highlights was a guided tour of Kitabi Seminary’s environmental initiatives, including the Laudato Si’ Home, the Laudato Si’ Forest, and the segregated garbage management center, where visitors learned practical approaches to environmental stewardship.

Participants also planted memorial trees as a lasting symbol of their shared commitment to protecting the environment. Schools showcased creative innovations promoting the 3Rs—Reduce, Reuse, and Recycle—through exhibitions featuring recycled and reusable materials.

Students enriched the event through dramatic skits, presentations summarizing the encyclical, persuasive speeches on environmental responsibility, and thought-provoking performances centered on the seminar theme.

The gathering also featured addresses from the President of the Laudato Si’ Club of Kitabi Seminary, the Club Patron, and the Chief Guest, who served as the Focal Person for the Laudato Si’ Club of Mbarara Archdiocese.

As a practical gesture of support, the Laudato Si’ Club of Kitabi Seminary donated tree seedlings to every participating school to encourage continued environmental action beyond the seminar.

The event concluded with a group photograph, symbolizing unity in the shared mission of caring for creation.

Key Messages

Several important messages emerged from the seminar:

* The Earth continues to suffer because of harmful human activities such as deforestation, bush burning, poor waste management, plastic pollution, and poorly planned industrialization.
* Caring for creation is both a moral obligation and a Christian responsibility shared by all people.
* Pope Francis’ encyclical Laudato Si’ provides timeless guidance on understanding environmental challenges and responding through practical action.
* Laudato Si’ Clubs should move beyond being symbolic organizations and instead become active agents of ecological transformation within schools and communities.
* Every individual has a role to play in protecting and restoring our common home.

Outcomes

The seminar successfully achieved its objectives by providing participants with knowledge, inspiration, and practical skills for environmental conservation.

Participants expressed appreciation for Kitabi Seminary’s outstanding environmental initiatives, describing the institution as a model of ecological stewardship and faithful implementation of the teachings of Laudato Si’. Many pledged to strengthen environmental activities in their respective schools and to renew their commitment to ecological responsibility.

The seminar also strengthened collaboration among Laudato Si’ Clubs across the Archdiocese, creating valuable opportunities for networking, sharing experiences, and supporting one another in future initiatives.

Challenges Encountered

Despite its success, several challenges were noted:

* Limited time prevented participants from fully sharing all their presentations and experiences.
* Financial and material resources were insufficient, particularly for practical demonstrations of environmental innovations.
* Some schools were represented by fewer participants because of competing commitments such as visiting days and parents’ meetings.

Recommendations

To sustain the momentum generated by the seminar, participants recommended that:

* Laudato Si’ seminars be organized regularly across the Archdiocese.
* Follow-up visits be conducted to schools to assess, support, and guide the activities of Laudato Si’ Clubs.
* Capacity-building workshops be organized for club patrons to strengthen their ability to mentor students effectively.
* Strong partnerships be established between Laudato Si’ Clubs and government as well as non-government environmental organizations to enhance technical and financial support.

Looking Ahead

The Laudato Si’ Seminar at Kitabi Seminary served as an inspiring reminder that caring for creation is both a shared responsibility and a practical mission. More than an educational event, it was a call to action, encouraging participants to transform the teachings of Pope Francis into daily habits and lasting environmental initiatives.

As students, educators, and Church leaders returned to their respective institutions, they carried with them renewed determination to become faithful stewards of God’s creation.

May the example and intercession of Adolf Mukasa Ludigho and St. Francis of Assisi continue to inspire all who work tirelessly to protect and preserve our common home for present and future generations.

About the Authors

REV. FR. ACHILEO KIHEMBO RWIZA
PATRON – LAUDATO SI’ CLUB OF KITABI SEMINARY

Confirmed by

REV. FR. SUZARIO MWESIIME
RECTOR