Forum of the Comboni Family on Integral Ecology 2025 – 7

Thereafter, the participants were invited to share their experiences from the participation in the days of the People’s Summit. From sharing, the following themes were highlighted: women, and the climate crisis, the devastating effects of mining. Amidst these challenges, a strong sense of hope emerged, expressed repeatedly by communities, church leaders, and civil society groups.

The visible involvement of religious groups, the participation of the Indigenous peoples, the engagement of children and Church movements were all seen as signs of life and growth.

During the afternoon session, various experiences of integral ecology were presented. These include the Laudato Si’ Centres in Peru and DR Congo, and the ecological ministries and sustainable initiatives for women of the Comboni Sisters. Comboni Lay Missionaries and Comboni Secular Missionaries they also presented their work in promoting ecological education, and community engagement.

After we had group discussions followed by sharing. Two points emerge from the sharing are: 1. Progress in the awareness and practice of Integral Ecology through participation in the Social Forums and the Forums of the Comboni Family. 2. Acknowledgement of the need to make Integral Ecology a pillar of our mission.

The day concluded with Holy Mass presided over by Fr. Piercarlo Mazza, a Comboni missionary working in Nova Contagem, Brazil. In his homily, Fr. Mazza reminded us to stand boldly with Indigenous peoples and to confront oppressive structures with courage and faith.