A Journey of Awareness, Discernment, and Action

From March 18 to 22, 2026, the Centre Arrupe Madagascar (CA-MDG), a member of the African Jesuit AIDS Network (AJAN), hosted the third edition of the Formation Continue des Animateurs Laudato Si’ (“Laudato Si’ Continuing Education for Animators”) at Village Aina. The program brought together 24 young participants committed to protecting the environment and advancing holistic health and social justice, reflecting AJAN’s mission to empower youth and promote sustainable wellbeing across Africa. Led by the CA-MDG Environment and Sustainable Development (EDD) team—Efa Ravelonantoandro, Henintsoa Nary Mihamina, and Maeva Randriamisely—the formation combined spiritual grounding, environmental education, and practical action, all rooted in Pope Francis’ encyclical Laudato Si’ (“Praise be to you”).

Day One – Laying the Foundations (March 18)
The first day opened with enthusiasm and purpose. The morning began with an opening prayer led by Fr. Patric Razafimahafaly, SJ, Director of CA-MDG, followed by a session of physical and mental preparation facilitated by Cédrick and Nardi. An official welcome note was then delivered.

Efa Ravelonantoandro presented the programme et règles de vie (“program and rules of life”) before the official opening with Mass celebrated by Fr. Patric Razafimahafaly. Laudato Si’ Mass centered on the mission entrusted to all: to love and protect our Common Home. A group photo closed the morning session.

In the afternoon, Maeva Randriamisely presented Chapter 1 of the encyclical (“Que se passe-t-il dans notre maison commune” [“What is happening in our common home”]), followed by Fr. Patric Razafimahafaly, who presented the context and Chapter 2 (“L’Évangile de la Création” [“The Gospel of Creation”]). Participants then reviewed their projects and reflected on the day. The day concluded with a moment of sharing about current events in Madagascar and around the world.

Day Two – From Understanding to Commitment (March 19)
After grounding in the encyclical, participants engaged more deeply with the scientific and human dimensions of ecological challenges. The day began with the Fresque du Climat (“Climate Fresk”) facilitated by Nary Mihamina Henintsoa, which strengthened participants’ knowledge of climate science and sparked a desire to act.

Efa Ravelonantoandro then led a session on the question, “Pourquoi est-il parfois si difficile de passer à l’action ?” (“Why is it sometimes so difficult to take action?”), exploring climate inaction and identifying obstacles that could be overcome.

Fr. Patric Razafimahafaly presented the values and characteristics of a leader écologique (“ecological leader”), drawing from Laudato Si’, inviting participants to embody leadership that is meaningful and transformative.

To close the day, Fr. Patric guided participants through a time of Discernement et Conversation spirituelle à la manière ignatienne (“Ignatian-style discernment and spiritual conversation”), emphasizing attentive listening and dialogue as a way to care for all creation, especially the poor.

Day Three – Discernment and Awakening (March 20)
The third day focused on awakening and reflection. Participants began with a body and mind awakening session, before exploring the anthropological dimension of the Cantique des Créatures (“Canticle of the Creatures”), led by Frère Daniel Ivanhoe (Conférence Inter-Franciscaine).

Efa Ravelonantoandro facilitated a session on Écologie Intégrale en action (“Integral Ecology in Action”), focusing on the life cycle of plastic bags and the urgency of ecological conversion.

The day also featured the screening of the film “La Lettre”, emphasizing the inseparability of environmental and social crises—a call to care for our Common Home.

Maeva Randriamisely concluded the day with a session combining drawing and spiritual conversation inspired by “La Lettre”, offering participants an opportunity for self-reflection and connection with others.

Day Four – Moving into Action (March 21)
On the fourth day, participants moved from reflection to concrete action. The morning included a session on international climate, biodiversity, and desertification policies facilitated by Henintsoa Nary Mihamina, highlighting global challenges and CA-MDG’s engagement at COPs.

Participants explored networking and the structure of the Mouvement Laudato Si’ (“Laudato Si’ Movement”), both internationally and nationally, with Mbola Tiana Rakotomalala and Maeva Randriamisely, emphasizing collaboration.

The afternoon featured an online session with Steeven Kezamutima, who presented the history of the Mouvement Laudato Si’, examples of successful initiatives, and perspectives for the future, encouraging participants to strengthen their commitment.

A practical workshop followed, building on earlier work with the arbre à problèmes (“problem tree”). Facilitated by Maeva Randriamisely and Henintsoa Nary Mihamina, participants defined objectives and planned activities for their projects—turning ideas into tangible initiatives.

The day concluded with an ecological evening, where participants performed scenes illustrating the principles of the 5Rs: Refuse, Reduce, Reuse, Recycle, and Return to the Earth, fostering community, inspiration, and shared commitment.

A Transformative Journey
Across these days, the formation followed a clear progression: to see, discern, and act. Participants deepened their understanding of environmental challenges, strengthened their spiritual grounding, and developed practical skills to respond effectively. As a member of the AJAN Network, CA-MDG exemplifies how local Jesuit initiatives contribute to a continental vision: empowering youth, promoting holistic health and social justice, and caring for our Common Home. This training has nurtured a generation of committed Laudato Si’ animators ready to listen to the cry of the Earth and the cry of the poor, and to act together for a just and sustainable future.

By, Communications Office,

Centre Arrupe Madagascar (CA-MDG).