As we prepare to enter this year’s Season of Creation, themed “To Hope and Act with Creation,” we take a moment to celebrate the efforts of participants from around the world in the Seeds to Creation Challenge this July. This challenge inspired individuals and communities across the globe to engage in the Laudato Si’ Goals. Their stories are a testament to the power of collective action in nurturing our common home.
Kini Emmanuel Sale proudly displayed her seedling as she engages the following Laudato Si’ Goals: Response to the Cry of the Earth, Ecological Education, Community Resilience and Empowerment.
In Nigeria, Kini Emmanuel Sale led a sensitization campaign at the Federal Science Technical College, where students planted 72 tree seedlings of various species. This effort not only beautifies the environment but also contributes to a healthier and more sustainable future for all.
From India, a variety of inspiring initiatives were undertaken, including the Auxilium Barasat community’s “A March Towards a Greener Future,” which included a series of events such as planting drives, waste management workshops, and the promotion of regenerative agriculture. These activities highlight the importance of ecological education and sustainable practices in daily life.
In Bangladesh, Benedict Alo D Rozario conducted an ecological education session for over 200 eighth-grade students at Holy Cross Girls’ High School in Dhaka. His session emphasized the importance of reimagining, recreating, and restoring our natural environment through simple yet impactful actions, such as reducing plastic use and planting trees.
Kyakuwaire of Uganda writes that they responded to Cry of the Poor “by sharing the little we have with those in need. We also planted our vegetables in our compounds and also supported our local producers as we got our eggs from them.”
In Chad, Kasereka organized a significant event—the third edition of the Social Forum on Creation in Abeche, with a theme focused on the planet as our common heritage. This forum, expected to bring together 350 participants from across the region, will foster discussions on how to better care for our shared environment.
In the United States, participants like Julie volunteered their time to support incarcerated migrants and assisted at immigration legal aid clinics, showing that care for creation also extends to supporting the vulnerable and marginalized in our societies.
In Senegal, Marie Pépyne Claudia, FSCM led a week of ecological spirituality, encouraging her community to connect with nature through prayer and contemplation, while also promoting the preservation of natural habitats along the Senegalese coastline.
Across continents, from Uganda to Argentina, and from Burkina Faso to Italy, individuals and communities have responded to the challenge with creativity and dedication. Whether it’s picking up litter in local neighborhoods, educating the next generation on sustainable practices, or planting trees to combat desertification, these actions reflect a deep commitment to protecting and restoring our planet.
As we step into the Season of Creation, let these stories of hope and action inspire us all to continue working together in caring for our common home. Each small act, when combined with others, has the power to create a ripple effect that can lead to significant change. We commend all participants of the Seeds to Creation Challenge for their leadership and dedication, and we look forward to the continued impact of their efforts throughout this sacred season and beyond.
Let us carry forward this spirit of hope and action, knowing that together, we can make a difference for the Earth and all who call it home.