The adventure of being a member of the Laudato Si’ Movement continues to expand around the world. Members of chapters and circles come together to enrich each other as part of the synodal journey our movement is on towards 2025.

National, regional and local encounters have already been held on all five continents for participants to get to know each other and share their experiences on the precious path of ecological conversion. 

This time, we tell you about two local encounters: those in Vietnam and Mexico. Get inspired to plan your own encounter, if you haven’t already done so.

The Guadalajara Chapter in action

Los Colomos Forest was the space chosen by the Guadalajara Chapter to hold its local encounter. In a convivial atmosphere, they reflected on the need for a pastoral care of creation in each parish, with the dream of having a diocesan “eco-parish” and the desire for a youth ministry committed to ecological and Samaritan conversion.

Among the current challenges, members recognized the challenge of networking to touch people’s hearts and generate commitment. Despite the difficulties, the participants concluded with hope and a strong commitment to be tireless “sowers”. Finally, in a symbolic and hopeful gesture, seeds were given to sow, representing the current stage of the movement as a chapter and its mission to “sow hope”. 

In Vietnam, training and spirituality in the great outdoors

Together with other organizations promoting the Laudato Si’ message, members of the Vietnam chapter of the Laudato Si’ Movement gathered at the Dalat Pastoral Center for an event that sought to promote ecological conversion through concrete actions and small daily gestures. 

The event included educational activities to reduce the use of plastics and sort garbage, as well as initiatives with a greater impact, such as planting trees and promoting organic farming. The 40 participants also shared an outdoor Mass and a Laudato Si’ meal, marked by the spirit of the Season of Creation.

Your local encounter is very important

Being a member of the Laudato Si’ Movement is a great adventure, and sharing it with others encourages us to keep going. If you haven’t already done so, host an encounter in your circle or community. There are many resources available here for you to guide the encounter.

Once you have held your encounter, please let us know how it went. Your encounter is fundamental for our synodal journey as a global movement.

If you are able, we also encourage you to please kindly make a donation to support encounters and future in-person gatherings for our network to come together in prayer and action for climate and ecological justice.