2024: A year to return to the heart
Before concluding an incredible year, we would like to go back over the most significant and unforgettable moments that we have experienced in 2024.
LSM chapter members celebrating together
1. Leading around the world
The partners and grassroots leaders we serve are making a difference in countries around the world. Here are just a few of the big things they accomplished in 2024.
- In Uganda, LSM’s volunteer chapter leader worked with a network of partners to educate communities about the impact of EACOP, the crude oil pipeline being built by French oil giant TotalEnergies.
- In France, LSM members stood with their brothers and sisters in East Africa by organizing prayer vigils at the TotalEnergies headquarters.
- In the Philippines, LSM partners Bishop Gerardo Alminaza, leader of the national Laudato Si’ program, Caritas Philippines, and others launched a national call to stop the proliferation of fossil fuels.
- In Brazil, LSM partners prepared a national Laudato Si’ engagement campaign for the country’s 123 million Catholics.
A member-led movement draws on the gifts of tens of thousands of people around the world. A movement illuminated by the Holy Spirit is an unstoppable force.
2. Delivering hope in the Season of Creation
The Season of Creation, the annual celebration of prayer and action for creation, grew in momentum and strength in 2024.
Around the world, LSM members stood alongside Christians of all denominations to pray and lead events. Special services for the Feast of Creation drew on the rich history of this precious day.
A prophetic voice against fossil fuels was lifted up, with LSM members signing letters of support for the Fossil Fuel Nonproliferation Treaty and the LSM team in Asia-Pacific co-organizing a fossil fuels event with the Federation of Asian Bishops Conferences.
The conversation continued online. More than 1.2 million people saw Pope Francis’s tweets and heard his Angelus message, 125 bishops’ conferences and dioceses published messages, and 350 media stories raised awareness of the Season of Creation and its impact. In addition, thousands of people attended LSM’s prayer services and webinars during the season.
LSM is grateful to serve as a co-leader of the ecumenical steering committee for the Season of Creation.
Pope Francis greets LSM executive director Susana Réfega (Photo from Vatican Media)
3. Touching the heart of Pope Francis
In a special meeting in Rome, Laudato Si’ Movement’s executive director, Susana Réfega, spoke with Pope Francis alongside the leaders of popular movements from around the world.
During the encounter, Susana shared the personal stories of LSM members who are taking real action to protect creation all across the world. At the same time, Susana also shared the stories of leaders who have been targeted for pursuing ecological justice in the United States, Honduras, and Colombia
Pope Francis was deeply moved by hearing how Laudato Si’ Movement stands at the forefront of prophetic action to protect our common home.
Women religious leading sustainable agriculture
4. Putting values into practice
The Laudato Si’ Action Platform, an initiative sponsored by the Dicastery for Promoting Integral Human Development, equips Catholics with practical tools to achieve holistic sustainability in the spirit of integral ecology.
Nearly 5,000 institutions, including dioceses, universities, and healthcare centers, enrolled in the platform through 2024. They are taking concrete steps to reduce emissions, cultivate a culture of care for creation, and advocate for policies that protect our common home.
Laudato Si’ Movement is grateful to serve as the operational partner for the Laudato Si’ Action Platform.
5. Training 1,000+ new grassroots champions
The Laudato Si’ Animators program, which trains volunteers to lead their communities in care for our common home, equipped new grassroots champions in 2024. More than 1,000 new Laudato Si’ Animators were fully certified in 2024, joining a vibrant global community that is tens of thousands strong.
An intensive training course supported Laudato Si’ Animators who are ready to take an even stronger leadership role, equipping them with advanced skills in communication and community engagement strategies.
Children celebrating Laudato Si’ Week in Chile
6. Celebrating Laudato Si’ Week
Laudato Si’ Week, an annual celebration of the encyclical that is sponsored by the Dicastery for Promoting Integral Human Development and supported by a global network of partners, reached national Catholic institutions in 2024.
- In Europe, the LSM-supported European Laudato Si’ Alliance announced the results of their survey showing that 95% of European Catholic organizations have seen the encyclical make a tangible impact.
- In the United States, the U.S. Conference of Catholic Bishops published Laudato Si’ Week prayers for action on sustainability.
- In the Philippines, the president of the Catholic Bishops’ Conference of the Philippines prayed for “seeds of hope” to flourish on our planet.
Laudato Si’ Movement is grateful to serve as the facilitator of Laudato Si’ Week.
Local encounter in Italy
7. Mapping the next stages of our journey
Members are the heart and hands of Laudato Si’ Movement. Throughout the year, members organized hundreds of national, regional, and local encounters to reflect on our past and map our future together.
Together, Laudato Si’ Movement members laid the foundation for transformative change in 2025 and beyond.
Mass in creation
8. Following the light of eco-spirituality
As people of faith, Laudato Si’ Movement members draw on a millennia-long tradition that gives us strength and purpose.
Monthly prayer guides, resources for Lent and for Advent, Laudato Si’ Retreats, and training in contemplative meditation enriched the lives of members and communities around the world.
LSM members at the UN biodiversity conference
9. Urging policy makers to protect creation
LSM members engaged policy makers in discussion and urged leaders to prioritize care for creation.
- In Colombia, an LSM chapter mounted activities at COP16, the UN conference on biodiversity. With a dedicated space in the pavilion, the chapter organized events and hosted Laudato Si’ Animators from Kenya, the US, and Brazil.
- In Europe, Laudato Si’ Animators sent letters urging the top candidates in EU elections to prioritize care for creation.
- In the United States, an LSM Chapter advocated at a meeting of the Texas Railroad Commission, which controls oil and gas in the state, to prioritize community health in permitting.
Laudato Si’ Movement board members and staff
10. Revitalizing structures
Laudato Si’ Movement welcomed a new executive director and new board members, working alongside the Global Membership Council and movement members. The entire secretariat and movement are led by newly updated values, which guide and inform the work we do together.
Now, we are preparing with joy to welcome 2025, which will come with exciting milestones- stay tuned! Check out our blog and social media to learn more.
All of these accomplishments were only possible with the support of our generous donors. As we plan for 2025, please consider making a donation of any amount to advance our mission for climate and ecological justice during an important Jubilee/anniversary year for Catholics and a critical year for the environment.
By Laudato Si’ Movement
Published on the Laudato Si’ Movement website
