Highlighting our shared responsibility to protect Mother Earth. A Journey to Ecological Conversion.

I recently attended the Vatican Press Conference for the release of the holy father’s message for the Season of Creation 2024. I felt a deep call to discipleship and an invitation to reflect at a deeper level on something I believe we can all take up as a journey of faith and hope. Each one of us can be a source of inspiration and motivation to the world where there is growing anxiety and fear around climate change. The young people are so worried about their future.

When you think about how much trash is being generated daily and the percentage that is being properly recycled and well composted when you walk in the city outskirts and see how many people live under climate anxiety, the reality is as people become more aware they start to despair and so we need different practices in our daily lives that cultivate hope.

In some instances, we are all aware of what is happening around us and in the world but are still adamant to respond, the straining imbalance in the ecosystem is vivid within our society. Back home in Uganda I am always hearing stories we are living under fear floods are increasing nowadays. Doesn’t this invite us to rethink of moral duty to care for our common home? Isn’t this even a louder call to action? What more do we want to see to believe?

We are a generation of people always asking for signs yet even when they are shown we are not so reflective to read and respond as desired. This doesn’t mean we are not doing anything but just raises the question of whether we could be more attentive to this call and do more even through prayer.

What are you doing? What is your institution or organization doing? But still, you can’t do it alone who else are you doing it with? We are a people meant to reach out and work with others. I recently told a group of people that I take Pride in the African Philosophy of Ubuntu that says, “I am because we Are”.

Photo Credit Fr. Steven Mburu, C.S.C

Such phrases and words of hope serve as reminders of our call to be co-creators with God in his work of creation. We need to adopt sustainable practices and develop conversations around better ways to raise awareness and implement climate justice practices in our communities and families one may ask how advocacy and my response is always it is very good and important but now let us walk the talk by cultivating a culture of responsiveness.

I have truly been inspired by the works of many people and was challenged to take up a mentorship role for the Laudato youth to nurture a generation of young people who are fully aware of their role and can play a part in being part of the solution helping them to understand and appreciate the beauty of God’s creation. I am always inspired by how much good young people can do just if empowered just as Blessed Carlo Acutis exemplified in his life, we are called to be true disciples and followers of Jesus Christ, spreading His message of love and service to all. Utilizing all the gifts and resources we have at our exposure.

Season of Creation Message by young people – To Hope and Act with Creation

The Laudato Youth Initiative is a shining example of how youth mentorship in ministry can play a crucial role in shaping the future of our communities and the world at large. By focusing on teaching young people about discipleship and witnessing God through environmental stewardship, this initiative plants seeds of hope and inspiration in the hearts of our youth. As we reflect on the message of the World Day of Prayer for the Season of Creation, we are reminded of the importance of embodying an incarnational faith and inspiring practices that unite people through simple daily actions that add value.

One of the key aspects of mentorship in ministry is guiding young people to understand integral ecology as a desired reality of our time. By helping them see the interconnectedness of all aspects of creation and the importance of caring for our planet, we instill in them a sense of responsibility and stewardship. Through programs like Laudato Si clubs these young people in these clubs learn to appreciate, and serve God through His creation, fostering a deeper connection to their faith and the world around them.

In a world where environmental issues are becoming increasingly urgent, it is essential to empower our youth to be agents of change and hope. By engaging them in initiatives like planting trees to reduce our carbon footprint, we not only address pressing environmental concerns but also instill in them a sense of purpose and responsibility.

These simple daily practices not only benefit the environment but also help to unite communities in a common goal, fostering a sense of belonging and building faith and social communities. The media can be used to pass on the message as well. Blessed Carlo used the media to help people know about the power of the Eucharist. We too can use it to communicate what matters to the faith of our people and contribute to building a world of Hope, Justice, and peace.

From Left: Fr. Alberto Ravagnati and Sr. Alessandra Smerilli Present the Pope’s Message for the Season of Creation 2024

Fr. Alberto Ravagnati remarked, “Incorporating the theme of caring for Creation into youth ministry is essential for shaping the faith of future generations.” Sr. Alessandra Smerilli also emphasized, “Ecological conversion, like any experience of conversion, is a spiritual event with visible, concrete repercussions.” by this she highlighted the significance of ecological conversion as a spiritual transformation with tangible, real-world impacts.

The Laudato Youth Initiative underscores the importance of this message. Learn more about the Laudato Youth Season of creation activities