Laudato Si’ Movement joined hands with key faith and environmental partners in Kinshasa, Democratic Republic of the Congo , for a three-day Training of Trainersand strategic engagement series hosted in the hall of CENCO, the National Episcopal Conference of the Congo (CENCO) . This significant visit reflected not only a deepening of the movement’s roots in the DRC but also a strong, collective call for energy justice across the region.
A Warm Welcome and Shared Vision
The training was officially opened by Mgr Donatien Nshole, Secretary General of CENCO (Conference Episcopale Nationale du Congo), who also actively participated in the third session. Leaders from Laudato Si’ Movement, CERN (Commission Episcopale pour les Ressources Naturelles), COSUMA (Conférence des Supérieures Majeurs), and REBAC (Réseau Ecclésial de la forêt du Bassin du Congo) took to the stage to introduce their institutions and the week’s collaborative agenda.
The event brought together 50 participants, including 20 sisters, 10 priests, 10 youth, 5 experts, and five media representatives, all of whom were committed to building a stronger ecological foundation rooted in faith and justice.
Three Days of Learning, Reflection, and Empowerment
The experience was nothing short of transformative. On Day 1, CERN and climate specialists painted a vivid picture of the urgent climate crisis, using Kinshasa’s recent devastating floods as a stark reminder of fossil fuels’ destructive impact. The message was urgent and clear: it’s time to halt fossil fuel expansion and accelerate a just transition to renewable energy.
Days 2 and 3, guided by the Laudato Si’ Movement team, offered deep, interactive training through the Laudato Si’ Animator modules, spotlighting the question: “What does our faith say about creation and climate change?” Through lively group discussions and hands-on exercises, participants discovered how to turn faith-inspired knowledge into real-world action — ready to ignite change in their communities.
Our bold ambition? Each participant will train at least 20 new Laudato Si’ Animators, sparking a ripple effect of 1,000 empowered leaders spreading the message of care for creation across the nation.
Strategic Partnerships Fuel Momentum for Energy Justice
Alongside training, powerful strategic dialogues energized the movement. On April 22, CERN, LSM, and Ministry of Environment experts met to weave energy transition priorities into COP30 preparations and strengthen networks for sustainable action. Mgr Nshole affirmed CENCO’s unwavering support, urging collaboration across Kinshasa to champion the just energy transition.
April 24 marked the 10th Anniversary of Laudato Si’, celebrated through vibrant partnerships and a joint commitment to amplify the message during Laudato Si’ Week. The closing days saw collaboration deepen among LSM, CERN, COSUMA, the Interfaith Rainforest Initiative (IRI), and civil society leaders — all working hand in hand to coordinate efforts and inspire lasting impact.
Raising Voices on Campus: University Dialogue Ignites New Energy
A highlight was the University Dialogue held at St. Eugene of Mazenod University, where students, faith leaders, and experts confronted the urgent need to halt fossil fuel expansion and champion just energy alternatives. The dialogue sparked powerful conversations fueled by voices from the University of Kinshasa, Catholic University of Congo, University of Cardinal Ambongo, Omnia Omnibus, and committed religious sisters from the Train the Trainers event.
A Joyful Celebration to Close a Milestone Visit
On April 26, the journey culminated in a stirring Mass celebrating 10 years of Laudato Si’, presided over by Rev. Father Macaire Manimba Mane, University Rector. In a heartfelt homily, Fr. Robert Mungela, Laudato Si’ Movement’s DRC Chapter Leader, wove Scripture with an impassioned call for energy justice, concluding with a united prayer for the energy transition.
