Holy Cross Lake View Senior Secondary School Hosts Third Laudato Si’ Green Festival, under the theme “Environmental Conservation for Peace and Sustainable Development.” The event was organized by the Laudato Youth Initiative and its Laudato Si’ Club of Holy Cross Lake View S.S.S.
Laudato Si Clubs are Uganda’s first growing youth faith inspired climate action and education models by the Laudato Youth Initiative aimed at engaging young people in both faith, ecological, moral, and innovative ways to foster holistic growth. On July 11, Holy Cross Lake View Senior Secondary School in Jinja, Uganda.
The Laudato Youth Initiative is a catholic youth-led climate action and ecological initiative inspired by Pope Francis’ 2015 ecological encyclical Laudato Si’. It mentors Laudato Si Clubs in schools, universities, parishes, dioceses, and communities across different regions of Uganda through its faith-inspired ecological model, which unites youth for climate action and forms stewards of the future who care and model care for our common home.
Community Engagement and CSR Activities
The celebration began with a Corporate Social Responsibility (CSR) pre-event that emphasized the school’s dedication to community engagement.
On July 9th and 10th, students and staff conducted a clean-up exercise in Musima Village, Wanyange, to promote environmental awareness and inspire community action for environmental protection.
Festival Highlights and Participation
The festival drew thousands of youth, educators, school leaders, religious figures, and community members from the region. Activities included a “Green Walk,” flagged off by Fr. Francis Mukasa, C.S.C., at Holy Cross Parish Bugembe, to raise awareness about caring for creation.
Green Mass or Care for Creation Mass: A Call to Ecological Awareness
The day culminated with a Green Mass, officially, the “Mass for the Care of Creation”, instituted by Pope Leo XIV in July 9 2025. Fr. Caxton Peter Mayanja, C.S.C. Provincial, presided and emphasized the vital role of storytelling in raising ecological awareness.
Honoring Legacy: Bishop Martin Wamika Memorial Program
Another highlight was the launch of the Bishop Martin Wamika Legacy and Memorial Program, dedicated to instilling good manners (empiisa enungi) and responsible internet use among young people. The program was inaugurated by Br. Adolf Mugume and attended by notable dignitaries, including Hon. Justine Kasule Lumumba, Uganda’s Minister of ICT and National Guidance; Fr. Caxton Peter Mayanja, C.S.C., Provincial; Hon Salamu Musumba, Fr. Prosper Atukwatse, C.S.C., Head Teacher; partners and the Laudato Youth Initiative.
The program draws inspiration from the late Bishop’s words:
“The youth of today, you seem more affected by modern life: smartphones, internet; Empiisa Enungi (good manners) seem to have been thrown overboard. The majority of the Uganda Martyrs were youth like you. When you grow old, how about creating a website: www.empiisaenungi.com? Dear pilgrims, look around and take note. When you get back home, what is it that you will share about the Martyrs? May the Lord increase your faith so that you receive whatever you asked for today.”
Tree Planting and Environmental Commitment
Guests actively participated in a ceremonial tree-planting and distribution event, reaffirming the participants’ commitment to environmental conservation and sustainable development.
Showcasing Innovation: Knowledge Booths and Partners
The event’s knowledge booth showcased innovative research models and practical solutions for sustainability, presented by the Laudato Youth Initiative and partner organizations, including:
Jdiobe STEM Foundation: contributing expertise in STEM innovations, research development, environmental science engagement, and youth leadership formation.
Holy Cross Lake View Handcraft and other scientific green-energy (Solar and cooking) innovations, and climate-smart agricultural innovations for sustainable livelihoods.
Bethany Land Institute, Nandere: Participatory agroforestry and land management.
Recognizing Excellence and Closing Remarks
The event concluded with awards for participating schools, featuring presentations, poems, skits, and storytelling centered on integral ecology.
About the organisers
The Laudato Youth Initiative is a catholic youth-led climate action and ecological initiative inspired by Pope Francis’ 2015 ecological encyclical Laudato Si’. It mentors Laudato Si Clubs in schools, universities, parishes, dioceses, and communities across different regions of Uganda through its faith-inspired ecological model, LYI unites youth for climate action and forms stewards of the future.
Read more: Vatican News – Uganda’s Holy Cross Lake View School Transforming Young Minds
Vatican News Feature Story – English
Vatican News Feature Story – Kiswahili
Speeches
