Assisi, a home for living integral ecology: formation programs to live the values of Laudato si’
Following the presentation at the USG general assembly, here are the details of the activities and the spirit behind the ASSISI Terra Laudato Si' project, open to religious, vocational and youth ministries, and groups.
ASSISI Terra Laudato Si' provides a home for all religious who wish to discover and live the values of integral ecology. On April 22, 2024, this project was inaugurated in the city of St. Francis at the Laudato Si' Citadel, with the signing of a commitment by the bishop of Assisi, representatives of Franciscan families, Pro Civitate Christiana, the Italian Environment Fund, and the City of Assisi, together with the Laudato Si' Center (part of the Laudato Si' Movement) which animates and accompanies the project.
The idea behind ASSISI Terra Laudato Si' is the result of years of experience with various religious institutions in the area, meetings, initiatives, and walking together. We have become increasingly aware of the need for a physical place, a place for experiential and vocational encounters, in our commitment to our common home. In a word, we needed a home. But not a home made of bricks or stone, but a home that was an ecosystem.
Moreover, this also actualized Christ's famous appeal to Saint Francis: no longer just "Go and repair my home" but "Go and repair our common home". This is the ever-present call that the crucifix makes to each of us. And so, what better home than Assisi, with its spirituality that can be breathed every day in its stones, shrines, alleys, sunsets, forests, landscapes, clouds, and silences?
The Laudato Si' Center promoted the project, together with local organizations. It is a simple but fruitful formula. On the one hand, the places offer all their spiritual and historical heritage, but with contemporary content and a contemplative-active approach, always oriented towards concrete action. On the other hand, they guarantee friendly collaboration, discreet hospitality, and a life experience.
Many activities are planned in Assisi for 2026, the eighth centenary of Francis' death. We invite you to consult them on the website AssisiLaudatoSi.org.
Similarly, you can visit us with your community throughout the year, through the Laudato Si' Pilgrimage program, which allows you to experience the entire Assisi ecosystem, with a linear narrative based on the song-cry-action pattern, touching on all the "Laudato Si' places". The Volunteer program represents the other side of ASSISI Terra Laudato Si's permanent program, because it allows individuals to immerse themselves in the Assisi experience, offering a little time for others.
So, what else is there to say? Come and see for yourself! This is the spirit in which this project was born, and this is the spirit in which we await you in Assisi, the land of Laudato si'!