By Christina Bagaglio Slentz
What gets you out of bed well before dawn to embark on a nine-hour bus ride, study and cram, sleep on a gym floor, speak your heart and pray publicly, engage in dialogue with powerful strangers, and repeat the ride home, all within 42 hours?
For 47 San Diegans, predominantly high school students, a “Laudato Si” Advocacy Summit Pilgrimage to Sacramento” on April 6 and 7 inspired such a faith-filled journey. Sponsored by the California Chapter of the “Laudato Si” Movement and Jesuits West, this student-led action gathered over 400 people from almost every diocese in the state, becoming the largest “Laudato Si” advocacy event in North American history.
Hope in God does not disappoint
In his recently released message, “Pilgrims of Hope: the Gift of Life,” Pope Francis writes, “Our world needs young people who are pilgrims of hope, who courageously devote their lives to Christ and rejoice in being his disciples and missionaries.”
Courageously, our local youth — our hope! — from Our Lady of Guadalupe Parish in San Diego, Cristo Rey San Diego and Mater Dei Catholic high schools, and diocesan Creation Care Teens from Cathedral Catholic High School and the Academy of Our Lady of Peace joyfully took up the mission of advocating for the vulnerable, calling for state officials to respond to the cries of our Sister, Mother Earth, and to those impacted by today’s environmental crises.
In the weeks preceding the pilgrimage, youth from all over California worked prayerfully and collaboratively over Zoom to research and choose pieces of legislation that seek to restore creation and secure pathways of environmental adaptation and resilience. The two-day event began with a Mass, celebrated by Bishop Jaime Soto, of the Diocese of Sacramento, followed by a shared meal. Then, the students got to work making final preparations for their presentations to state assembly members and senators. They worked until “lights out,” demonstrating great devotion.
The next morning, the pilgrims rose early to dress in their most professional attire and headed to the State Capitol. There, they promoted policies addressing fire resilience and prevention, to include the development of community resilience hubs to act as shelters in times of emergency.
Several students shared personal stories of being affected by the recent fires in Los Angeles. They also advocated for more stringent safe water regulation, recycling for non-drinking usage, and water protections connected to critical habitat conservation.
Cathedral Catholic High School student and Creation Care Teen Annika Mara gave witness to habitat loss she has witnessed in San Diego, lamenting that younger children would not have the opportunity to enjoy nature where she did when she was little. Students also called attention to the intensifying impact of climate change on human movement and argued for humane policies regarding immigrants.
Intergenerational solidarity
Monday night, just before midnight, the bus rolled back into San Diego, and students returned to the loving hugs of their families. In “Laudato Si,” Pope Francis calls us to “intergenerational solidarity,” meaning we have to work together across all ages to bring about ecological justice.
Do you have a young person at home? Have you asked him or her about today’s environmental crisis? Students are so well educated on the science of these dynamics! Talking to them and showing your respect for their newly acquired knowledge is a good way to demonstrate your love and willingness to partner with them in bringing about a more just society. Be sure to share your faith perspective, too, as this importantly undergirds our caring for creation with a strong foundation in our Catholic teaching.
Save the date!
If you are interested in participating in our next “Pilgrimage of Hope for Creation,” the Diocese of San Diego is hosting a “Pilgrimage to the Salton Sea” in November 2025 to recognize the 10th anniversary of “Laudato Si” and our Jubilee Year. Scan the QR code or go to bit.ly/SSPilgrimageInterestForm for more information and to receive updates. As always, contact Christina Slentz with questions at cslentz@sdcatholic.org.
