From March 5 to 8, a three-day retreat unfolded in deep connection — with one another, with God, and with nature. Representatives from around 30 organisations across various European countries gathered to make hope visible through concrete initiatives of integral ecology.
To reach the critical mass of people and institutions committed to protecting our common home, every action counts. And especially those that help us build synergies, strengthen networks, and support one another against discouragement.
With this spirit in mind, the three-day retreat hosted by ELSiA at the green and welcoming Community of Taizé in Burgundy, France, gave ample space and voice to associations and Church leaders — from dioceses to episcopal conferences — actively engaged in promoting Laudato Si’. A defining feature of this gathering: both its ecumenical breadth and its strong youth presence.
Gabriela Bajić — a sociology PhD student — and Noa Šajatović — a sociology undergraduate — come from the Catholic University of Croatia, where the Laudato Si’ Center for Christian Responsibility and Care for All Creation was recently established, led by Prof. Zoran Turza. It is a place of connection between religion, ecology, social sciences, and economics, working in cooperation with the local Church and engaging students in volunteer activities — such as a second-hand shop — and moments of reflection like the Laudato Si’ Coffee.
From neighbouring Bosnia, Alen Kristić represents the Movement for Ecological Conversion at the Centre for Peace Education. In a country where half the population is Muslim, environmental care becomes a privileged space for peacebuilding and dialogue between religions and cultures. Alen is also an activist, deeply concerned about the green colonisation his country is experiencing. Rich in critical raw materials, Bosnia has attracted significant foreign investment in extractive industries, with serious environmental consequences.
João Maria Carvalho and Maria are among the young faces of Casa Velha, a Christian-inspired organisation open to all, whose mission is to contribute to integral human development in its various dimensions: personal, communal, and local. The community has recently experienced the effects of climate change firsthand, having suffered severe damage from Storm Kristin in Portugal.
From the Western European Francophone Province of the Jesuits, Fr. Xavier de Bénazé, Laudato Si’ Delegate for Ecology, shared his congregation’s journey of eco-conversion, offering a perspective grounded in lived experience. Practical choices with real impact — train travel, less meat, lower heating, and meditation on Laudato Si’ — were even recommended by the Province’s Superior General (following an extensive carbon audit across Europe). And, most recently: divestment from fossil fuels.
And there were many more faces, organisations, and stories that brought this long weekend to life — woven together by the rhythm of communal prayer and informal exchanges among participants. From ELSiA member organisations — including the Laudato Si’ Movement — to Eglise Verte (FR) and Eco Kerk (BE); from Justice and Peace Malta to the Laudato Si’ Alliantie and Socires (NL); from Cuidar da Casa Comum (PT) to Caritas Italiana and VIS; from New Humanity/Focolare to more ecclesial representation with COMECE, the Spanish Episcopal Conference, and the Diocese of Münster. Underscoring the ecumenical dimension, ECEN — the European Christian Environmental Network, in close partnership with the CEC, the Conference of European Churches — was also present.
A renewed desire to work together, restored energy, and living hope: these were the words participants carried home with them, determined to unite their efforts — including through the Laudato Si’ Action Platform, an active participant in the three days at Taizé — on the path inspired by integral ecology.
Read also: A Living tapestry of Hope’: integral ecology in Taizé (2026)
Photo: the Laudato Si’ Movement team present at Taizé
Laura Morosini, LSM Europe Director — Alonso De Llanes, Laudato Si’ Action Platform Director — Veronica Coraddu, Laudato Si’ Animators and Circles Italy Coordinator — Maria Chiara De Lorenzo, LSM Europe Communications Officer
Foto Credits: ELSiA – Laudato Si’ Movement