People and communities across Northern Ireland are being invited to take part in a growing global movement for climate justice and care for creation, as the Laudato Sì Movement opens registration for its 2026 Laudato Sì Animators Training Programme.
The invitation comes following the strong participation from Northern Ireland (Down & Connor Diocese, the NI Interfaith Forum, Corrymeela, Clonard Peace Ministry, the Ulster Farmer’s Union, the Westcourt Centre and the Focolare
Focolare is a global Catholic lay movement founded in 1943 in Italy by Chiara Lubich. Its name means “hearth” or “family fireside” in Italian. The movement focuses on promoting unity and universal brotherhood among all people, regardless of their background or beliefs. Focolare works to foster dialogue and peace across religious, cultural, and social divides. The movement is inspired by the teachings of the Gospel and aims to live out Jesus’ prayer for unity (“that they may all be one”). It emphasizes love, mutual understanding, and community-building, with projects in education, ecumenical dialogue, social work, and more.
• Read more about Focolare »
) at the international “Raising Hope” conference held last November in the FocolareFocolare is a global Catholic lay movement founded in 1943 in Italy by Chiara Lubich. Its name means “hearth” or “family fireside” in Italian. The movement focuses on promoting unity and universal brotherhood among all people, regardless of their background or beliefs. Focolare works to foster dialogue and peace across religious, cultural, and social divides. The movement is inspired by the teachings of the Gospel and aims to live out Jesus’ prayer for unity (“that they may all be one”). It emphasizes love, mutual understanding, and community-building, with projects in education, ecumenical dialogue, social work, and more.
• Read more about Focolare »
Conference Centre in Castelgandolfo, which brought together significant voices from all over the world, including Pope Leo and Arnold Schwarzenegger. The gathering highlighted the deep connection between unity, peace and care for the earth and called for renewed local action rooted in hope and collaboration.
From Global Encounter to Local Action
The upcoming Animators Training offers a concrete next step. The free online programme equips participants with:
- A deeper understanding of the vision of Laudato Sì
- Practical tools to lead ecological initiatives
- Skills to build dialogue and cooperation within communities
- A strong spiritual foundation for care of creation
Participants join an international network of Laudato Sì Animators active in over 140 countries, working at grassroots level to promote sustainability, climate justice and community resilience.
A Call for Northern Ireland Communities
In a context where environmental challenges, social divisions and the search for peace are increasingly interconnected, this training offers a meaningful way to respond.
It is especially suited for:
- Parish and church groups
- Teachers and youth leaders
- Community and voluntary organisations
- Anyone motivated to take practical action for the environment
Care for Creation as a Path to Peace
The programme reflects a growing awareness that care for the earth and care for people cannot be separated. Building a sustainable future goes hand in hand with building peace, strengthening relationships and fostering unity across communities.
By forming local leaders, the Laudato Sì Movement hopes to support communities in Northern Ireland to become places of encounter, dialogue and shared responsibility for our common home.
How to Take Part
Registration for the 2026 Laudato Si’ Animators Training is now open. The course is delivered online, making it accessible to participants throughout Northern Ireland. Visit: https://laudatosianimators.org/
Those interested are warmly encouraged to apply and become part of a global effort to turn hope into action.