From 19 to 21 September a delegation composed of bishops, priests, sisters, and representatives of several Catholic organisations met in Castel Gandolfo convened by the CCEE Section for the Safeguarding of Creation. The theme of the gathering — “Laudato Si’: Conversion and Commitment” — guided our prayers, reflections, and conversations throughout the three days.
Friday – Beginning with Prayer and Reflection
Our journey opened on Friday evening in the beautiful Church of Saint Thomas of Villanova in Castel Gandolfo. The atmosphere was deeply prayerful as the Akathistos Hymn was sung by the choir of the Apostolic Exarchate for Ukrainian faithful in Germany and Scandinavia. Presiding was Bishop Bohdan Dzyurakh, who also welcomed us in his role as President of the CCEE Commission for Social Pastoral Care.
One of the highlights of the evening was the testimony offered by Sr. Alessandra Smerilli, FMA, Secretary of the Dicastery for Promoting Integral Human Development. She invited us to look back on the legacy of Laudato Si’, reminding us that Pope Francis’s call to ecological conversion continues to shape the mission of the Church today, but also looking ahead, and thinking of next generations who will be in touch with the encyclical.
We closed the day in fellowship, sharing dinner and conversations that set the tone for the weekend ahead and the choir offered us additional songs at the end of the dinner.
Saturday – Immersed in Creation and Deepening Understanding
Saturday morning began at the garden chapel of Borgo Laudato Si’, where we celebrated Holy Mass and Lauds with Archbishop Gintaras Grušas, President of the CCEE. It was moving to use the newly approved Mass pro custodia creationis — a liturgy dedicated to the care of creation.
Afterwards, we stepped into the gardens of the Ville Pontificie, walking among trees and flowers that spoke silently of God’s gift of beauty. Many participants described a sense of peace, simplicity, and gratitude that accompanied them into the rest of the day.
The afternoon was dedicated to our first working sessions. Archbishop Grušas and Bishop Dzyurakh welcomed us formally and framed the discussions with the theme “Laudato Si’: Ten Years of Ecclesial Commitment.”
Two excellent inputs followed:
- Prof. Carmody Grey (Radboud University, Netherlands) explored the origins and prospects of Laudato Si’, helping us to see the continuity and urgency of this call.
- Prof. Stefan Geiger, OSB (Pontifical Liturgical Institute, Rome) reflected on the meaning of caring for creation in Christian spirituality, reminding us that ecology and faith are inseparable.
We closed the day with a plenary exchange, Vespers, and another moment of conviviality over dinner.
Sunday – Carrying Hope Back Home
On Sunday morning, we returned to the Church of Saint Thomas of Villanova for Mass with Bishop Vincenzo Viva of Albano. Preaching on the Gospel of the day, he reminded us that when the environment suffers, people suffer too — a strong call to become good stewards attentive to both the cry of the Earth and the cry of the poor.
Later, we gathered for a round table conversation with representatives of JRS Europe, Laudato Si’ Movement, Caritas Europa, ECEN and obviously ELSiA. It was an honest and hopeful dialogue: we named what is working, the obstacles that remain, and the dreams we hold for stronger and more fruitful collaboration.
The meeting closed with a prayer from the Laudato Si’ encyclical — the Prayer for Our Earth — and a final meal together.
Looking Ahead
These three days were rich in prayer, reflection, and encounter. We return home grateful for the beauty we experienced, the wisdom we received, and the fellowship we shared. Above all, we carry with us a renewed commitment: to walk together in caring for creation, and to keep alive the hope that the Church’s voice may inspire courage and joy in protecting our common home.
