The General Chapter 29 pointed out that “Integral ecology emerges as a privileged field of educational and pastoral work” (GC29: 64). Developing this theme further, GC29 goes on to say: “Pope Francis has made this issue a consistent part of his magisterium: his voice challenges us to be more prompt in listening to the cry of the earth and of the poor” (GC29: 64).

As a concrete way of celebrating Earth Day 2026, the Youth Ministry Sector has launched the Laudato Si’ Parish Guide, a practical tool to help Salesian parishes become Laudato Si’ Parishes. This guide offers concrete suggestions for achieving each of the Seven Laudato Si’ Goals proposed by the Laudato Si’ Action Platform. It also outlines the journey to be undertaken in becoming a Laudato Si’ Parish. Finally, it highlights the role and responsibilities of the Parish Green Team—the animating group that supports the parish in this journey.

Presenting the Laudato Si’ Parish Guide, Fr Rafael Bejarano, General Councillor for Youth Ministry, said: “The Rector Major, in the Six-Year Project 2025–2031, has invited the Salesian Congregation to take forward the Church’s commitment to integral ecology with a charismatically inspired vision. Through these guidelines for our parishes, we are offering a Salesian pathway for engaging young people, and all members of the parish community, to play an active and concrete role in caring for our common home.”

The Laudato Si’ Action Platform is a project of the Vatican Dicastery for Promoting Integral Human Development, aimed at assisting the universal Church in implementing Pope Francis’ encyclical Laudato Si’. This initiative of the Youth Ministry Sector is intended to introduce all the Salesian parishes across the world to the Laudato Si’ Action Platform and to offer practical guidelines on how to become a Laudato Si’ Parish.

The Laudato Si’ Parish Guide can be downloaded here in Italian, English, Spanish, French, and Portuguese.