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DTSTART;TZID=UTC:20250719T080000
DTEND;TZID=UTC:20250719T170000
DTSTAMP:20260618T150546
CREATED:20250601T152538Z
LAST-MODIFIED:20250721T123903Z
UID:62747-1752912000-1752944400@laudato-youthinitiative.org
SUMMARY:Our Laudato Si Green Festival at Holy Cross Lake View S.S.S to open with a Mass for the Care of Creation
DESCRIPTION:Read about the event \nThis year we are Lucky that our Laudato Si annual event will be graced with something new. Whereas we have been celebrating our Laudato Si Festival with Green Laudato Si Masses this year its special because our Holy Father Pope Leo XIV on July 9\, 2025 celebrate the first “Mass for the Care of Creation”\, with a new formulary of the Roman Missal\, produced by the Dicastery for Promoting Integral Human Development and the Dicastery for Divine Worship and the Discipline of the Sacraments\, that was presented Thursday\, July 3\, during a press conference at the Vatican. The Pope celebrated this private Mass during his holiday with the staff of the “Borgo Laudato Sì” (“Laudato Sì Village”)\, an educational center located in the Papal residence in Castel Gandolfo.  \nSaturday 19 July\, 2025 we too will open our celebration of our Laudato Si Green Festival with an open air green mass for the care of creation praying for the our Country and the World to recognize the urgency of the climate crisis and “hear the cry of the poor\,” as a way to live out our commitment to care for creation and uphold Pope Francis’ environmental legacy. \n \nAs young people dedicated to caring for the environment inspired by Pope Francis’ encyclical Laudato Si and the Catholic Social Teachings on the environment\, upholding the ecological Legacy of Pope Francis and amplifying heroic actions of the Uganda Martyrs focusing on St. Adolf the Patron of Herdsmen and Farmer\, this special program of Laudato Si Green Festival invites young people to explore the wisdom of elders and faith values in implementing a social and ecological encyclical thus forming young people who are good stewards of the environment but after value the role of faith and mentorship.  We shall unite people to pray and reflect on our responsibility to care for creation but also learn about ways through which we can journey with those suffering because of Climate Change\, lack of peace\, guided by our spiritual leaders and learning about the activities of Laudato Si Club at Holy Cross Lake View S.S.S. \n \nThis festival will aim to celebrate:\n1️⃣ The promulgation of a new formulary of the Roman Missal dedicated to the “  Care of Creation” \n2️⃣ The Jubilee of the youth and Our Pilgrims of Green Hope as part of our jubilee year Campaign to inspire more people into care for creation activities.\n3️⃣ The 10th Anniversary of the encyclical Laudato Si’ and pray for those affected by climate Change. Our celebration will be guided by an inspiring theme: \n “Sowing Seeds of Peace and Hope for Creation” \n\nYou May ask what is the Laudato Si Green Festival?\nThe Laudato Si’ Green Festival is a Laudato youth-led environmental action program/event organized by the Laudato Youth initiative (LYI) with its different Laudato Si clubs aimed at mobilizing young people in prayer\, reflection\, and practical action to care for our common home. The festival provides a platform for intergenerational dialogue\, mentorship\, and the promotion of climate resilience. This time we are in Eastern Uganda and our Laudato Si’ Club of Holy Cross Lake View is the host (LSiC-HCLV) Over 1500 youth are expected to attend. \n Program \n\n18th July – Community Clean up\n\nCommunity Clean up – Bugembe Town Council (Living our pledge to eliminate single use plastics and Saying No Saying pollution) – A gesture aimed at raising public awareness and community service. In addition on 19th our eco exhibitions will unveil their technology-backed cleanup efforts of smart dustbins designed to enhance garbage collection in schools to reduce pollution. \n\n19th July – Laudato Si Mass\n\nOur aim is to deepen their understanding of how faith traditions\, such as Laudato Si’ and Catholic Social Teaching\, can guide us toward sustainable living and transformative action. In doing so\, we hope to form a generation of youth who will highlight and keep alive the ecological legacy of Pope Francis and Ugandas strong roots of integral ecology embded in the story of the Uganda Martyrs\, more so St. Adolf Patron Saint of Ecology and Hardsmen\, in an Agricultural and spiritual tourism economy like Uganda. \nProgram \n7:00AM-8:00AM – Arrival of partners\, schools and all invited guests – Holy Cross Parish Bugembe \n\n8:00AM-10:00AM– Flagging off Green Match – Fr. Mukasa Francis\, C.S.C.\, Parish Priest HC Parish Bugembe.  \n10:00AM-10:30AM – Arrival at Blessed Basil Moreau Stadium – Laudato Si Choir and Lavisters welcome visitor for Mass \n10:30AM-12:00am – Arrival at Blessed Basil Moreau Stadium – Laudato Si Green Mass led by; Fr. Geral Muto\, Chancellor Jinja Catholic Diocese (Remarks and lead the tree planting after Mass) \n\n12:00am-12:20pm – Speaker  \nTopic: Holy Cross Lake View’s Commitment to Mentoring Ecological Citizens \nRole: Headteacher\, Holy Cross Lake View S.S.S. | Host  \nFr. Prosper Atukwatse\, C.S.C.\, is a devoted religious of the Congregation of Holy Cross\, Province of East Africa and currently serves as the Headteacher of Holy Cross Lake View Senior Secondary School (HCLV S.S.S) in Uganda. A passionate educator and environmental advocate\, he actively supports the Laudato Si Club and its student-led environmental actions. \nUnder his leadership\, Holy Cross Lake View has emerged as a pioneer in ecological education through the Laudato Youth Initiative. The school integrates environmental stewardship into its curriculum\, student life\, and community engagement — including programs such as tree planting campaigns\, waste management initiatives\, media advocacy\, and climate research on Mental Health. These actions reflect the Gospel values\, Holy Cross Educational mission\, and the message of Pope Francis’ Laudato Si’. \nAt the Laudato Si Green Festival\, Fr. Prosper will share insights on forming ecological citizens through Catholic education\, highlighting the vital role schools play in promoting justice\, sustainability\, and care for our common home. He will also lead the team to symbolic tree planting ceremony. \n12:40pm-1:00pm – Building A Just\, Peaceful\, And Sustainable Future – Fr. Leonard Olobo\, C.S.C  (Chair Board of Governers John Paul Justice and Peace Centre – Kampala) and receipt of the Premio San Giovanni Paolo IIVatican Award 2024  \nAbout Fr. Leonard Olobo\, C.S.C. \n12:40 PM – 1:00 PM Fr. Leonard Olobo\, C.S.C. \n  \nTopic: Building a Just\, Peaceful\, and Sustainable Future \nRole: Chair\, Board of Governors – John Paul II Justice and Peace Centre (JPIIJPC) | Financial Controller\, Holy Cross Lake View S.S.S. | Speaker and Tree Planting  \nFr. Leonard Olobo\, C.S.C.\, is a \n senior member of the Congregation of Holy Cross\, Province of East Africa with vast experience in faith-based ecological justice. He currently serves as the Financial Controller at Holy Cross Lake View S.S.S. and as the Chair of the Board of Governors for the John Paul II Justice & Peace Centre (JPIIJPC) in Kampala\, a partner of the Laudato Youth Initiative Board of Governors St.  \nJoseph’s Hill S.S.S and serves on several other boards.  \nIn 2024\, he received the Premio San Giovanni Paolo II Vatican Award from the Vatican due for his outstanding contributions to justice\, peace\, fighting trafficking in persons  and ecological care. Fr. Olobo has been instrumental in advancing youth empowerment\, community resilience\, and integrated ecological and social justice rooted in Catholic Social Teaching and Laudato Si’. His guidance has strengthened Laudato Si Club activities such as tree planting drives\, community and cleanups. \nAt this year’s Laudato Si Green Festival\, Fr. Olobo will speak on building a sustainable and peaceful future through education\, faith\, and advocacy. His leadership bridges ecological action with justice\, making him a valuable voice in shaping youth-centered\, faith-rooted responses to today’s environmental challenges. \n\n2:00-3:00pm – Laudato Youth Presentations on Environmental Conservation (Mdm Nagasha-HCLV and Patrons of invited schools) \n\n3:00pm-3:45– Introduction of the Knowledge Market Booth (Eco- Exhibitions) Partners\, Innovators\, Schools; \nLaudato Si Club Eco Exhibitions featuring sustainability projects; (waste management\, promoting sustainable agriculture\, \n\n“What Is Happening to Our Common Home?” –  Raising voices for the escalating pollution problem\nInnovating for Agriculture; Green House for Sustainable Farming and crop diversification\nSmart Water Pump Innovation make clean water available for everyone\nRegenerative recycling to enhance waste collection; say no to plastic pollution \nSmart Dustbin Innovation to reduce poor garbage disposal\n\n3:45pm-4:00pm – Speech from the Guest of Honor Mr Joseph Male \n\n\n\n\nAbout Mr. Male Joseph \n\nMr. Male Joseph Interacts with our Laudato Si Club of Holy Cross Lake View S.S.S during the celebration of the Kampala Archdiocese 10 years anniversary of Laudato Si’ at Munyonyo – shrine where Catholic institutions and faith-based organisations pledged to eliminate single use plastics a campaign we have taken on with seriousness. \n\n  \nJoseph is an agricultural Extensionist\, and a rural innovationist practitioner with a strong background in Global Gap Farmer Assurance.  He has rich experience in the scope of Horticultural value chain development\, community engagement\, sustainable development and contemporary rural innovation systems analysis\, Learning and knowledge brokerage in; Agricultural Innovation\, Extensions & Participation\, and social-economic development. \nIn addition\, he is very skilled at community situational analysis and appraisal for prompt effective inclusive interventions that cause a transformatory change. He has contributed to the training “Youth Entrepreneurship in Agriculture and Changing Food System” with WCDI-Wageningen Centre for Development Innovation. \n\n Awarded in the Uganda Best Farmers 2019 Competition. \nAwarded in the ICCO Agricultural Innovation Challenge 2015. \nCommunity impact and Youth Mentorship\n\nJoseph has been strongly involved in the establishment of different community intervention and empowerment programs such: \nCommunity Development and Livelihood Project with 10 centres of excellence for knowledge transfer and skills development around the country. \nCommunity Farmers Skills Network under ISE with more than 500 farmers\, Uganda Micro Gardening Initiative [UMGI] at Makerere University established to empower urban and peri-urban poor communities in innovative modern farming through a student-community partnership and establishing Micro Garden Clubs in Schools to inspire pupils into sustainable farming. \nAgricultural Caravan with JICA Volunteers since 2011 which has been at the core of handling mindset change in agricultural development\, among different communities. \n\nEstablished Avail Group -An agricultural development and consultancy company. Where we focus at supporting you to innovative through agriculture for a productive livelihood.\nEstablished Fruits of Faith Farm which is an agro-tourism demonstration farm that fosters connectivity\, exposure\, and sharing between the farming fraternities in Uganda. With 10 other centres of excellence in other parts of the country.\n\n • As a Speaker on the Topic: “Societal Transformation through Innovative Farming: Empowering Youth for Environmental Sustainability\, Poverty Eradication\, and Green Career Development”  and as a featured expert during the Knowledge Market & Eco-Exhibitions segment\, Male’s Avail Group – Fruits Farm will showcase sustainable agriculture innovations and discuss how youth engagement in farming can foster climate resilience\, socio-economic transformation\, and vocational opportunities. An inspiring synergy for young people in Intergal ecology and students in the new curriculum who will be able to see the practical implementation of speech ideas to inpsire both students and schools to adopt sustainablility with a broader mind.\n\nWe are honored to welcome Joseph Male as a keynote speaker at this year’s Laudato Si Festival. His wealth of experience in sustainable agriculture and youth empowerment embodies the theme “Sowing Seeds of Peace and Hope for Creation.”\n\n\n\n\n  \n\n\n\nOur Laudato Si Club\nThis integral ecological event encourages behavioral change and sustainable living at the family\, institutional\, and community levels. Through Laudato Si Club at Holy Cross Lake View S.S.S we are enhancing CRS and grassroots initiatives\, that will empower young people with knowledge\, skills and tools to address pressing ecological issues and become active care takers of God creation. \nThe highlight of the festival is the Open-Air Green Mass\, where students and club members gather to celebrate the gift of God’s creation\, pray for people affected by climate change\, raise awareness about the dangers\, seek divine guidance\, and reaffirm their shared commitment to environmental justice. United by faith and inspired by nature\, participants stand as ambassadors of hope\, honoring the sacredness of creation and advocating for a sustainable future. \nFr. Proster Atukwatse\, C.S.C\,. Fr. Apire Berry\, C.S.C.\, and Ms Immaculate Kisembo club patron joined the Laudato Si Club members to plant trees for the fr. Bob Hesse Sustainability Project\nIn the words of Pope Francis:” \nThis culture of care for the environment  is not simply a ‘green’ — I say it in the true sense of the word — attitude\, it isn’t just a ‘green”’attitude\, it’s much more than that. Taking care of the environment means having an attitude of human ecology. That is\, we cannot say that mankind is here and Creation\, the environment\, is there. Ecology is total\, it’s human. This is what I sought to express in the Encyclical Laudato Si’: man cannot be separated from the rest; there is a relationship which is reciprocally influential\, both the environment on the person\, and the person in a way which affects the environment; and the effect bounces back to man when the environment is mistreated…. it’s a social encyclical’. For in society\, in the social life of mankind\, we cannot forget to take care of the environment. Moreover\, looking after the environment is a social attitude\, which socializes us\, \nLaudato Youth with the  Archbishop of Kampala\, Paul Ssemogerere\, at the 10 Years Anniversary of Laudato Si hosted at the Uganda Martyrs Shrine in Munyonyo\, Kampala. He where he encouraged renewed action and awareness around climate justice . In line with  above the Uganda Episcopal Conference issued strict guidelines discouraging the use of plastic bottles and disposable packaging during major religious events. A reminder for our up coming event \nSo Laudato Si  – Praise be to you\, my Lord’ comes to us as a gift and this explains the reason why our Laudato Si Green Festivals begin with Mass.  Pope Francis’ warning that “peace\, justice and the preservation of creation are three absolutely interconnected themes\, which cannot be separated and treated individually” (92) informs our event theme; “Sowing Seeds of Peace and Hope for Creation” as a way to go forward\, building on his ecological legacy that has been strongly emphasized by Pope Leo XIV who challenges us to “keep building bridges.” for ecological and social justice who also invited institutions to “engaging in a synodal work of discernment in preparation for COP30.  \nAnd now we re glad that On July 9\, 2025\, Pope Leo XIV will celebrate the first “Mass for the Care of Creation”\, with a new formulary of the Roman Missal\, produced by the Dicastery for Promoting Integral Human Development and the Dicastery for Divine Worship and the Discipline of the Sacraments\, and presented Thursday\, July 3\, during a press conference at the Vatican. This raises voice for our Laudato Si Festival which has been a care for creation event that also promotes Green Masses \nOur Previous Laudato Si Green Festival\nLaudato Youth people interact with Fr. Leonard Olobo\, C.S.C.\, Chairperson Board of Governers John Paul II Justice and Peace Centre and receipt of the Premio San Giovanni Paolo II Vatican Award 2024 – Learn more from his interview with EWTN after the 2024 Laudato Si Green Mass on the feast Day for the Care of Creation. \n\nAfter Mass Activities\nLaudato Youth joined by their chaplain Fr. Nichodemus Kisonga\, CSC and Fr. Leonard Olobo\, CSC for tree planting after Mass \n \nLaudato Youth take a laudato Si Walk to raise awareness in the community and plant trees as a community engagement activity \n \n Community engagement activity \n \nCommunity eco-expo \nFind out More about the Laudato Si Club of Holy Cross Lake View S.S.S\nWhy the Laudato Si Green Festival?\nTo raise awareness about the ongoing climate crisis and model a meaningful response\, we draw inspiration from Matthew 8:24–34—just as Jesus calmed the stormy sea\, we too are called to stand together and bring hope. We stand side by side to offer reassurance to young people and those who suffer the effects of climate change\, we focus on young people because they are the ones who are increasingly anxious about what their future holds in the face of climate change. Through our collective efforts in Laudato Si Clubs that conduct the Laudato Si Festival\, we aim to encourage local collaboration and promote corporate social responsibility fostering environmental stewardship and deeper community engagement. \n  \n\nOur event partners\n \n  \n  \n  \n  \n \n \n \n🔗 Visit the Laudato Youth Initiative website: https://www.laudatoyouth.org\n🎥 Watch inspiring youth climate stories: Laudato Youth YouTube Channel \nBy supporting or partnering with us for the Laudato Si Green Festival\, you are helping sow seeds of peace\, hope\, and ecological justice for Uganda’s next generation of leaders. Together\, we can build a more just\, and sustainable future. \nFor partnership & inquiries email: laudatoyouthinitiative@gmail.com \nWhatsapp: +256701571573 \n  \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\n \n\n 
URL:https://laudato-youthinitiative.org/event/laudato-si-festival-2025-seeds-of-peace-and-hope-for-creation/
LOCATION:Holy Cross Lake View S.S.S Jinja Uganda
CATEGORIES:Laudato Si Festival
ATTACH;FMTTYPE=image/png:https://laudato-youthinitiative.org/wp-content/uploads/2025/06/Untitled-2-4-1.png
END:VEVENT
BEGIN:VEVENT
DTSTART;TZID=UTC:20250722T080000
DTEND;TZID=UTC:20250724T170000
DTSTAMP:20260618T150546
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
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BEGIN:VEVENT
DTSTART;TZID=UTC:20250806T080000
DTEND;TZID=UTC:20250807T170000
DTSTAMP:20260618T150546
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/
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DTSTART;VALUE=DATE:20260718
DTEND;VALUE=DATE:20260719
DTSTAMP:20260618T150546
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/
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DTSTART;TZID=UTC:20260925T080000
DTEND;TZID=UTC:20260927T170000
DTSTAMP:20260618T150546
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
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DTSTART;TZID=UTC:20261003T090000
DTEND;TZID=UTC:20261103T150000
DTSTAMP:20260618T150546
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/
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