BEGIN:VCALENDAR VERSION:2.0 PRODID:-//Laudato Youth Initiative | Uniting Youth for Climate Action - ECPv6.16.2//NONSGML v1.0//EN CALSCALE:GREGORIAN METHOD:PUBLISH X-WR-CALNAME:Laudato Youth Initiative | Uniting Youth for Climate Action X-ORIGINAL-URL:https://laudato-youthinitiative.org X-WR-CALDESC:Events for Laudato Youth Initiative | Uniting Youth for Climate Action REFRESH-INTERVAL;VALUE=DURATION:PT1H X-Robots-Tag:noindex X-PUBLISHED-TTL:PT1H BEGIN:VTIMEZONE TZID:UTC BEGIN:STANDARD TZOFFSETFROM:+0000 TZOFFSETTO:+0000 TZNAME:UTC DTSTART:20240101T000000 END:STANDARD END:VTIMEZONE BEGIN:VTIMEZONE TZID:Africa/Nairobi BEGIN:STANDARD TZOFFSETFROM:+0300 TZOFFSETTO:+0300 TZNAME:EAT DTSTART:20250101T000000 END:STANDARD END:VTIMEZONE BEGIN:VEVENT DTSTART;TZID=UTC:20250722T080000 DTEND;TZID=UTC:20250724T170000 DTSTAMP:20260618T061003 CREATED:20250306T150156Z LAST-MODIFIED:20250724T104949Z UID:59982-1753171200-1753376400@laudato-youthinitiative.org SUMMARY:Laudato Youth Initiative: Rebranding African Wisdom for Climate Action DESCRIPTION:The Laudato Youth Initiative to present a groundbreaking paper at the Laudato Si Africa Conference (LSAC 2025) . Entitled “What is ‘Integral’ About Integral Ecology in the African Worldview? Stories of Young African Voices Advocating for Ecological Conversion” at the Conference\, organized by the Bethany Land Institute\, Nandere\, Uganda\, from July 23-25\, 2025. Entitled: 10 Years After Laudato Si’: Where is Africa? An interdisciplinary conference at BLI to discuss the progress made in Integral Ecology & Human Development. \nJuly 24: Day 2 – Ethics and Spirituality of Integral Ecology\nConversation 4: Mobilizing Youth for Integral Ecology 4- 5 p.m.\nModerator: Allen Ottaro\, Catholic Youth Network for Environmental Sustainability in Africa (CYNESA) \nPresenters: Sandra Kaitesi\, Bethany Land Institute \nCaleb Wani\, Bethany Land Institute \nSarah Kirikumwino\, Laudato Youth Initiative \nBernard Kahwa\, Laudato Youth Initiative \nJesca Massawe\, Catholic Youth Network for Environmental Sustainability in Africa \nDaniel Cirimwami\, Catholic Youth Network for Environmental Sustainability in Africa \n  Learn more from the event organisers \nOur Laudato Si Clubs President Sarah Kirikumwino on a visit to Bethany Land Institute for an interaction with Father Emmanuel Katongole Co-founder & President of the institute celebrated as the visionary behind BLI. Born in Uganda\, Father Katongole is now a Professor of Theology and Peace Studies at the University of Notre Dame in South Bend\, IN. There she was glad to meet the team on ground and it amazing to learn how together we can inspire action response to Laudato Si in Uganda\nIn alignment with our mission\, the Laudato Youth Initiative will present this groundbreaking paper to spark interest in an African conceptual framework for understanding and integrating the wisdom embedded in our stories; such as that of the Uganda Martyrs ie (St. Adolf Ludigo Patron of hards men and farmers) etc.. as a means of advancing the application of Laudato Si’ as an expression of integral ecology. This approach draws on Catholic Social Teaching\, Ugandan environmental law\, and indigenous wisdom traditions to offer a holistic and culturally grounded interpretation of ecological responsibility. \nThe year 2025 marks the tenth anniversary of Laudato Si’\, Pope Francis’ landmark encyclical that offers a prophetic and urgent call to care for our common home. While notable progress has been made over the past decade\, significant work remains to fully realize the encyclical’s bold and holistic vision of integral ecology. In response to this ongoing challenge\, the Laudato Youth Initiative is mentoring a new generation of African youth leaders by revitalizing indigenous knowledge systems\, research and innovation\, wisdom traditions\, and storytelling. These culturally and spiritually grounded approaches serve as transformative tools for ecological education and the transmission of values essential to sustainable development. \n\nOur initiative seeks to bridge the intergenerational gap by bringing together youth and elders around a metaphorical fire creating a shared space to confront the urgent climate crisis. As our mentor\, Br. Adolf\, affirms\, this mission integrates faith-based values\, African cultural heritage\, and intergenerational dialogue to cultivate climate leadership deeply rooted in community and spirituality uniting young people for Climate Action engrained in the African Interpretation of Laudato Si. We need young people to be aware of What is happening to our common home ? \nOur presentation will highlight the Ubuntu philosophy—a principle of unity\, interdependence\, and shared humanity embodied in our motto: “United for Climate Action.” Our unique contribution will focus on storytelling\, particularly the wisdom of elders and the lived experiences of those affected by climate change. We present storytelling as a powerful tool for fostering ecological conversion\, strengthening cultural resilience\, and advancing environmental justice within the framework of the conference theme. \nOur Shared Humanity\n\n“Stories of Young African Voices Advocating for Ecological Conversion” What does ‘Integral Ecology’ mean within the African Worldview? “We have to realize that a true ecological approach always becomes a social approach; it must integrate questions of justice in debates on the environment\, so as to hear both the cry of the earth and the cry of the poor.” – Laudato Si’\, #49 \nPope Francis himself said\, “The poor and the earth are crying out”; it is time for us all to do something about it.\n  \nAs part of the Laudato Si Africa Conference (LSAC 2025)\, the Bethany Land Institute\, through its Sowing Hope Project\, will host a 10-day Ecological Pilgrimage—a unique journey of spiritual reflection\, environmental awareness\, and cultural immersion. This transformative experience will take participants to Uganda’s most significant ecological and spiritual landmarks\, including:\n • Shrine of the Uganda Martyrs – Honoring faith\, sacrifice\, and spiritual heritage\n • A Ugandan Game Park Visit – Celebrating biodiversity and wildlife conservation\n • The Source of the Nile – Recognizing Uganda’s role in Africa’s natural ecosystems\n\nIn relation to the above over the year we have been involved in Green pilgrimages to deepen understanding of Uganda’s rich socio-cultural history and ecological importance\, while engaging in hands-on environmental learning. This began with our Jubilee Year theme; “Pilgrims of Green Hope” that was launched in January 2025\, for the jubilee year to blend faith-based climate action\, youth empowerment\, and African ecological spirituality. The activities involved include;\n • Spiritual and ecological pilgrimages – Green Masses\n • Visits to sustainable micro climates set ups; fruits of faith farm\n • Climate advocacy trips to impacted areas like:\n • Kasese (flood-prone region)\n • Kitezi (landfill site and urban waste zone)\n\nThese experiences have inspired our grass root climate actions\, including:\n • Community clean-ups\n • Art for climate awareness\n • Youth-led climate documentaries\n*Tribute: The Man in History: Pope Francis’ Tribute Poem – Laudato Si Club Nyakasura School\n\n\n\n\n\nThrough the power of storytelling\, the Laudato Youth Initiative encourages young people to document sustainability journeys and build narratives that inspire faith-based organizations\, cultural leaders\, and youth initiatives to take collective climate action. This is one way to hope for a reconciled work through listening\, reflection action and prayer. We stand not as Owners but Stewards of today and the future uniting young people for Climate Action. The Vatican’s Dicastery for Evangelization released its message for World Tourism Day 2025\, themed “Tourism and Sustainable Transformation\,” calling for protecting the environment\, tourists and workers\, and offering Christian hope.In the message\, Archbishop Rino Fisichella\, the Pro-Prefect of the Dicastery for Evangelization\, urged admiration for and protection of the Earth’s resources\, promotion of tourism through just practices\, and adoption of sustainable lifestyles. Read more \n\nLaudato Youth have already made ecological pilgrimages  learn the lessons they have learnt to understand creation as the work of the gospel in action knowing that the 10 years anniversary is the begining of a pilgrimage of forming a generation that needs more hope when pilgrimages have become beacons of hope and forces of unity and reconciliation with creation.\n • January 3: Green Pilgrimage to Queen Elizabeth National Park\n(Exploring Uganda as the “Pearl of Africa” that must be preserved)\n • January 8: Pilgrimage to Lake Saaka\n(Sacred silence and ecological reflection)\n • January 12: Pilgrimage to St. Adolf Holy Cross Parish\n(Visiting the Reconciliation Gardens – a place for healing and unity)\n • February 17: Youth Mentor Pilgrimage to Assisi\n(Inspiration from St. Francis of Assisi\, Patron of Ecology)\n • February 17: Spiritual Pilgrimage to Blessed Carlo Maria Major Shrine\n(For youth in media\, storytelling\, and digital environmental advocacy)\n\nThese Laudato Green Pilgrimages 2025 offer youth the opportunity to engage in Catholic environmental advocacy\, strengthen intergenerational collaboration\, and reimagine climate justice through the lens of faith\, culture\, and community.\nWe welcome partnerships to amplify our impact. If you are passionate about environmental stewardship and youth-led climate climate change mitigation\, reach out to us at laudatoyouthinitiative@gmail.com. Together\, let’s honor our African heritage\, embrace the wisdom of our elders\, and build a sustainable future grounded in faith and cultural resilience. \n\n← Back Thank you for your response. ✨\n\n\n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n\n\n\nName(required)\n\n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n\n\nEmail(required)\n\n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n\n\nWebsite\n\n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n\n\nMessage\n\n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n\n \n \n \n Submit \n \n \n \nΔ URL:https://laudato-youthinitiative.org/event/laudato-youth-initiative-rebranding-african-wisdom-for-climate-action/ LOCATION:Bethany Land Institute\, Uganda\, Uganda ATTACH;FMTTYPE=image/png:https://laudato-youthinitiative.org/wp-content/uploads/2025/03/Screenshot-2025-07-20-at-3.08.35-PM.png END:VEVENT BEGIN:VEVENT DTSTART;TZID=UTC:20250806T080000 DTEND;TZID=UTC:20250807T170000 DTSTAMP:20260618T061003 CREATED:20250804T143850Z LAST-MODIFIED:20250804T151727Z UID:64184-1754467200-1754586000@laudato-youthinitiative.org SUMMARY:Season 5\, Episode 6 of the “Faith and Sustainability” podcast\, hosted by the Archdiocese of Atlanta! DESCRIPTION:We’re thrilled to announce that this Wednesday\, August 6th\, 2025 Sarah Kirikumwino\, our Laudato Si Clubs President\, will be featured on Season 5\, Episode 6 of the “Faith and Sustainability” podcast\, hosted by the Archdiocese of Atlanta! \nThis special episode highlights the impactful work of the Laudato Youth Initiative in mentoring youth in leadership and environmental stewardship. It forms part of a broader conversation with environmental experts and faith leaders on how we can better care for our common home. \nTune in for powerful insights\, inspiring stories\, and strong reflections from the next generation of climate leaders like Sarah!. \nThe episode will be available on the Archdiocese of Atlanta’s website and all major streaming platforms.\nThis is a conversation you won’t want to miss—it’s about the visionary work of the Laudato Youth Initiative uniting young people for Faith and Action. From the Pearl of Africa\, and the land of the Uganda Martyrs we are proudly promoting the ecological legacy of Pope Francis. We are digital citizens\, telling stories that are inspiring concrete climate action in Uganda and beyond. \nListen here\n  \nA Legacy we carry forward \nA Pilgrim for Our Times URL:https://laudato-youthinitiative.org/event/season-5-episode-6-of-the-faith-and-sustainability-podcast-hosted-by-the-archdiocese-of-atlanta/ END:VEVENT BEGIN:VEVENT DTSTART;VALUE=DATE:20260718 DTEND;VALUE=DATE:20260719 DTSTAMP:20260618T061003 CREATED:20231003T220959Z LAST-MODIFIED:20260518T063650Z UID:51618-1784332800-1784419199@laudato-youthinitiative.org SUMMARY:Laudato Si Festival 2024 DESCRIPTION: URL:https://laudato-youthinitiative.org/event/feast-of-st-francis-of-assisi-4th-oct-4/ ATTACH;FMTTYPE=image/jpeg:https://laudato-youthinitiative.org/wp-content/uploads/2025/07/IMG_6255-scaled.jpeg END:VEVENT BEGIN:VEVENT DTSTART;TZID=UTC:20260925T080000 DTEND;TZID=UTC:20260927T170000 DTSTAMP:20260618T061003 CREATED:20240921T071951Z LAST-MODIFIED:20260518T064301Z UID:58137-1790323200-1790528400@laudato-youthinitiative.org SUMMARY:Creation Care/Cuidado de la Creación Conference & Creation Care Film Festival DESCRIPTION:Join us for an inspiring and global event\, the Creation Care/Cuidado de la Creación Conference\, which will take place both in-person and online from September 25-27\, 2024. This multi-day event is a celebration of sustainability\, environmental justice\, and artistic expression across different countries and institutions. \nSpecial Guests\nEvent Highlights:\n\nConference Sessions:\n\nDates: Wednesday\, September 25 and Thursday\, September 26\nLocation: University of the Incarnate Word (San Antonio\, Texas\, Broadway Campus) – Student Engagement Center (SEC) Room 2050-2052. Available online.\nTopics: Sustainability\, Laudato Si\, global climate action\, community gardening\, and more.\n\n\nEnvironmental Film Festival:\n\nDates: Thursday\, September 26\, and Friday\, September 27\nLocation: Mabee Library Auditorium\nFilm screenings include The Letter: A Message from Our Earth\, Plastic Wars\, Mr. Trash Wheel\, Cooked: Survival by ZIP Code\, and more. (Limited seating\, RSVP required)\n\n\n“Art of Creation” Exhibit:\n\nFeaturing artworks by young people (ages 4-18) highlighting the beauty of nature and our role in its care. The exhibit will be showcased online\, fostering creativity and compassion across the globe.\n\n\n\n  \nGlobal Presenters:\n\nRome: Br. Adolf Mugume\, C.S.C.\, Director of Communications for the Congregation of the Holy Cross in Rome\, will talk about the Popes’ enyclical Laudato Si and also present a short film documentary featuring Sarah Kirkumwino the Laudato Youth Initiative Clubs’ President\, focusing on youth climate action and Sustainability work on media by the Laudato Youth Initiative response to the Catholic Social Teachings on the environment\, SDG 16 and 13 Call to Action Message. A video that was filmed in response to the Popes film documentary the Letter explaining what is happening to our common home and as justification of the climate change problem prevailing in Uganda. The findings from this film documentation informed his Capstone Reasearch “Use of digital Media to communicate Laudato Si” that gave birth to the Laudato Youth Initiative to mitigate the challenge and build a community of young people who are wnvironmental responsive castodians of on our common home.\nMr. Augustine Bahumuka (Uganda)\, a research editor with Laudato Youth Initiative will share about LYI’s role in promoting the Catholic Social Teachings of the Church and Miss Immaculate Kisembo the Laudato Youth Initiative Publications Editor joining us from Tanzania will share about Laudato Youth and SDG 16 and 13 Call to action thus the two will also  moderate the presentations by  the Laudato Youth Initiative Club at Mountains of the Moon University (Ugandan Team: Tukamusaba Doreen\, ⁠Ayebale Fred\, ⁠Arinaitwe Innocent\, Murungi Arnnest\, Peace Scovia and Masereka Rodgers) will about Season of Creation activities in institutions.\nPeru: Dony Avilos from the Justice\, Peace\, and Care of Creation Committee will discuss efforts in Chimbote to engage older adults in sustainability.\nMexico: Presentations on food sustainability projects\, including the innovative use of eggshells for nutritional supplements\, led by Ecoshell entrepreneurs.\n\nSpecial Sessions:\n\nGardening in Guatemala: Learn about initiatives combating malnutrition through community gardening led by Edwin Mendoza and Darlene Jasso of the Little Angels of Mary.\nSustainability in Chimbote\, Peru: Dony Avilos will explore the intersection of faith and creation care within marginalized communities.\nSolar Energy Projects: Discover how UIW is leading with sustainability grants for solar energy and community gardening.\n\nRegister for the Event:\nTo receive access links and updates\, please register here. \nEvent Partners: Special thanks to the University of the Incarnate Word Lewis Center of the Americas\, the Ettling Center for Civic Leadership and Sustainability\, and other global partners for making this event possible. \nFor more information\, please contact \nUganda\, Rome\,  Kenya\, and Tanzania \nMr. Bahemuka Augustine – Laudato Youth Initiative Research Editor or Miss Sarah Kirikumwino – Laudato Youth Initiative Clubs’ President at Laudatoyouthinitiative@gmail.com or info@laudato-youthinitiative.org \nUnited States of America \nSr. Martha Ann Kirk at marthaann.kirk@uiwtx.edu or 210-883-5934. URL:https://laudato-youthinitiative.org/event/creation-care-cuidado-de-la-creacion-conference-film-festival/ CATEGORIES:Creation Care Conference ATTACH;FMTTYPE=image/png:https://laudato-youthinitiative.org/wp-content/uploads/2024/09/Untitled-94.png END:VEVENT BEGIN:VEVENT DTSTART;TZID=UTC:20261003T090000 DTEND;TZID=UTC:20261103T150000 DTSTAMP:20260618T061003 CREATED:20250720T134102Z LAST-MODIFIED:20260518T064415Z UID:63765-1791018000-1793718000@laudato-youthinitiative.org SUMMARY:Second Interfaith Conference on Climate and Environment DESCRIPTION:“Creation and Peace: A Sacred Call to Heal Our Common Home” “Peace\, justice and the preservation of creation are three absolutely interconnected themes.” — Pope Francis\, Laudato Si’\, 92 \nTheme: Aligning Creation with Peace: Faiths United for Climate Justice \n Overview: This call to peace is especially urgent today\, as the world grapples not only with ecological crises but also with devastating conflicts in the Middle East\, Libya\, Sudan\, and the Democratic Republic of Congo. These wars leave behind shattered communities\, displaced families\, and ecological devastation—revealing the inseparable link between peace\, justice\, and the environment. In the face of such suffering\, people of faith must rise to the prophetic task of healing both people and planet. \nIn a year marked by record-breaking global heat and escalating ecological breakdown\, people of faith are called more urgently than ever to respond with compassion\, courage\, and unity. The 2025 Interfaith Conference on Climate and Environment seeks to deepen the spiritual and moral response to the climate crisis by aligning the care for creation with the work of peace building. \n This year’s conference takes on special significance as we commemorate: \n – The 10th Anniversary of Pope Francis’ Encyclical Laudato Si’\, a ground breaking call for ecological conversion and climate justice. \n – The 800th Anniversary of The Canticle of the Creatures by St. Francis of Assisi\, a poetic celebration of creation as our common brotherhood. Together\, let us honour these milestones by renewing our shared mission to protect the earth and promote peace among peoples and ecosystems.  \nObjectives: \n To explore the deep connections between creation care and peacemaking in the sacred texts and traditions of various faiths. \n To reflect on the spiritual and ethical implications of record-breaking global heat and worsening ecological injustice. \n To honour Pope Francis and St. Francis of Assisi by drawing inspiration from Laudato Si’ and The Canticle of Creatures. \n To develop actionable commitments for interfaith collaboration in promoting environmental sustainability and peaceful coexistence. \n Format: \nThe conference will feature a combination of keynote addresses\, panel discussions and networking sessions. Participants will have the opportunity to engage with experts\, community leaders\, and fellow practitioners from different faith backgrounds. \nTarget Audience: \nThe conference is open to representatives from all religious communities\, including clergy\, scholars\, activists\, youth leaders\, peacemakers\, educators\, environmental practitioners and all concerned citizens. Registration: Attendance at the conference is free of charge\, but registration is required due to limited space. Interested participants can register or confirm participation with the organizing committee. \n Conclusion: \nThis Interfaith Conference is more than a gathering—it is a movement of hope and action. As we face the climate emergency and the fragility of peace in our world\, let us unite across our differences to sow seeds of peace\, harmony\, care\, and resilience. \nOur Response to Laudato Si is in sink with educating ourselves about “My” Faith and its response to peace and climate justice inspired by Laudato Si and our our holy father call to unite in dilaigue and prayer for world peace. How then do we learn from each other whether through Inter faith eco theology; educations and cooperation which are key to building the spirituality of interfaith collaboration seen as tools to open our hearts to reflect on cultural religious practices that promote peace and  intergal ecology in view of the communitarian spirit that leads us to a dialogue for action\, that can transend into conversion. \nProgram  \nMORNING SESSION (9:00 AM – 12:00 PM): 9:00 am – 9:30 am \nWelcome and Opening Remarks 9:30 am – 10:00 am \nKeynote Address “Integral Ecology and Global Peace” 10:00 am – 11:20 am \nPanel Discussion: “Faith Voices on Conflict\, War and the Climate Crisis” 11:20 am – 11:40 am \nBreak 11:40 am – 12:35pm \nPresentation: “The Laudato si Letter’s reflection on Peace and environmental issues” 12:35 am – 01:00pm \nReview: Q & A 01:00 pm – 02:00 pm \nLunch Break AFTERNOON SESSION (02:00 PM – 3:00 PM): 2:00 pm – 2:20 pm \nPresentation: Youth\, Hope\, and the Future: “Empowering the next generation of climate and peace building leaders” 2:20 pm – 3:00pm \nInteractive Session: Interfaith Collaboration for Climate Action \n\nBreak into smaller groups to brainstorm and discuss joint initiatives. \nShare ideas for advocacy\, community projects\, and collaborative efforts. \nPresentation of Commitments by Faith Communities o Closing Ritual and Sending Forth\n\n \nOur previous Conference\n  URL:https://laudato-youthinitiative.org/event/inter-faith-conference/ ATTACH;FMTTYPE=image/jpeg:https://laudato-youthinitiative.org/wp-content/uploads/2024/09/IMG_4750.jpg END:VEVENT END:VCALENDAR