The event opened with a solemn Creation Mass led by Rev. Fr. Dr. Ronald Kawoya, CSC, who challenged students to “make the main thing the main thing.” He invited them to reflect on their personal and collective mission, not just to excel academically, but to grow holistically through a Catholic education that integrates care for creation.

Fr. Kawoya reminded students that the main mission of the Laudato Youth Initiative is to empower and unite young people for climate action, to understand and protect God’s creation. Emphasizing integral ecology, he explained that Laudato Si’ Clubs by LYI are not just about planting trees, but about discovering our deep interdependence with the environment, and responding to ecological challenges through action and faith.