Grand Wisata, Indonesia, September 12–14, 2025, became the setting for a meaningful journey of faith as the SND-Indonesian Junior Sisters gathered for the Laudato Si’ Activity Week. The lush green surroundings were a perfect environment for the event’s theme: “Caring for Our Common Home in the Spirit of Laudato Si’.”
This was not just a routine meeting, but a spiritual pilgrimage that raised awareness, touched hearts, and ignited a new determination to care for the earth as our common home. The Sisters came with hearts longing to learn, reflect, and discover the meaning of their vocation in the light of Pope Francis’s encyclical Laudato Si’.
The first day started with prayer, welcoming remarks, and an introduction to ecological spirituality by Sr. Yohana and Sr. M. Robertin. Participants were invited to reflect on the story of creation and engage in activities such as making eco-enzymes and environmentally friendly soap. These activities were designed to remind the sisters of their responsibility to care for creation. The day ended with a prayer of thanksgiving.
The second day began with nature prayers and meditation, which were then expressed in concrete actions: cleaning the environment, planting trees, and learning gardening skills. Father Fridus, OFM, gave a profound reflection on global warming and the Church’s call to action. The sisters shared in small groups, guided by the question, “What is my ecological commitment?” This reflection led to concrete resolutions, from reducing plastic waste to adopting a simpler lifestyle. A special moment took place during the Eucharistic Celebration, when the Laudato Si’ Garden was blessed. This simple blessing was one of deep spiritual meaning: a sign of the sisters’ love for the earth. The day ended with music, a bonfire, and art that celebrated sisterhood.
The Ecological Way of the Cross was the focus of the third day, connecting the suffering of Christ with the cries of a wounded earth. Afterwards, the sisters planned follow-up actions to ensure that the spirit of Laudato Si’ continues to be lived in their respective communities. The event concluded with an evaluation, a prayer of commissioning, and a shared lunch.
Heartfelt gratitude goes to the Congregation for its generous support of this event. Their assistance went beyond financial help. It also served as a tangible sign of the sisterhood that strengthens our formation journey.
The sisters returned to their respective communities with hearts filled with a profound determination to protect the earth and care for life, aware that the earth is not just a place to live; it is our shared home, a sacrament of God’s love for all creation.
