Laudato Si’ Movement’s National Encounter in Portugal was a multifaceted and impactful experience. For the first time, Laudato Si’ Animators and member organizations were able to be together in person, strengthening bonds through prayer, fraternal sharing and joint discernment.
Some 25 participants from different regions of the country experienced an encounter marked by curiosity, enthusiasm and gratitude. Held at the Jean Gailhac Center in Ílhavo, its proximity to the Ria de Aveiro and the Atlantic provided an atmosphere of serenity. Moreover, being held in a diocese affected by fires, it reinforced the call to care for our Common Home.
The encounter, open to the community, was attended by the Bishop of Aveiro and Susana Réfega (the Movement’s executive director), followed by an inspiring Eucharist. This was followed by simultaneous workshops led by Laudato Si’ Animators, who shared their testimonies on the Movement’s strategic axes: Spirituality, Sustainability, and Prophetic Advocacy.
In the afternoon, the participants dedicated themselves to the process of prayer and discernment that the Movement has been promoting in its synodal journey towards the 2025 Jubilee. The encounter did not represent a point of arrival, but the beginning of a new dynamic and a continuous process of contribution to the strategy and next steps of the Movement in Portugal and around the world.
Pathways to the future: promoting integral ecology
During the National Encounter participants were able to listen to and share the different perspectives of the Movement’s members on their journey:
“Although the discernment process is not yet complete, some guidelines have already become clear,” said José Varela, coordinator of Laudato Si’ Movement’s Portugal Chapter. “We believe that integral ecology must be at the center of Christian experience, becoming a concrete practice within ecclesial communities. We need to continue to mobilize believers, parishes and dioceses so that this message takes deeper roots,” he added.
Participants highlighted the need to integrate integral ecology into the faith experience of the Catholic community, which implies continuous work with dioceses, parishes and schools.
Regional encounters: building the road to 2025
Local, Community and National Encounters play an essential role in strengthening the sense of community and in the strategic consolidation of Laudato Si’ Movement’s mission. These regional encounters, such as the one recently held in Rio Grande do Sul, Brazil, are valuable opportunities to reflect on the mission and share experiences.
Contributions from these gatherings around the world will be carried forward to the online Global Gathering in 2025, a historic moment that will bring the Movement together in a celebration of hopes and dreams for a sustainable and just future.