Catholic schools across Thailand showcased student-led environmental initiatives at a national festival in Bangkok aimed at turning care for creation into practical action.
The Sept. 5-6 “Care for Creation” festival at Mater Dei School was organized by the Catholic Bishops’ Conference of Thailand in collaboration with its offices for Catholic education and social communication, Caritas Thailand, youth, parish priests, and religious congregations.
Held in alignment with the Season of Creation, the two-day event linked St. Francis of Assisi’s Canticle of the Creatures with sustainability education and featured more than 60 eco-friendly booths from across the country.
The gathering also came as the Catholic Church marks the Jubilee Year of St. Francis of Assisi, commemorating the 800th anniversary of his death, alongside the continuing call of Pope Francis’ encyclical Laudato Si’.
“People come, walk, taste, shop, and learn,” said Father Joseph Anucha Chaiyadej, executive director of Catholic Social Communication of Thailand, whose office broadcast the festival nationwide.
“The area with over 60 booths in 5 zones showcases the collective efforts to care for our Common Home — from Catholic schools, dioceses, religious congregations, social organizations, communities and environmental networks from across the country,” Father Anucha said.
From classroom to common home
For the Catholic Education Council of Thailand, the festival served as a living classroom.
Father Paul Eakarat Homprathum, secretary-general of the council, said Catholic schools participated with student-led innovations that translated environmental concerns into practical action.
“From energy conservation and waste reduction to resource management, the Eco School concept and activities aligned with the Laudato Si’ spirit encourage young people to start caring for the planet from school and in their daily lives,” he said.
Caritas Thailand showcased diocesan social initiatives ranging from rice donation programs and sustainable rice farming to community development, child protection and ecological awareness.
The Green Market featured organic fruits and vegetables, community enterprise products, eco-friendly handicrafts, local wisdom crafts, and food and drinks from community networks. Organizers said purchases supported small-scale producers and environmentally friendly lifestyles.
Thematic stations invited participants to reflect on stories titled “Planting Seeds, Creating Change,” “From Love to Action,” “The World is Our Home,” and “Save Energy, Save Earth,” focusing on ecological conversion and encountering God in all things.
A central exhibition marked the 12th anniversary of Pope Francis’ encyclical Laudato Si’ and the 800th anniversary of St. Francis’ death.
“In approaching Laudato Si’ — Praise be to God — from a cultural and religious perspective, we develop themes that support talent development to bring harmony in the world,” Father Anucha said.
Programs showcasing the creativity and achievements of young people included an Asia-level Laudato Si’ Short Film Contest, a creative environmental drawing competition, a special lecture and interfaith dialogues, learning stations, exhibitions, tree-planting activities, and performing arts with music and songs.
“For the Laudato Youth Initiative, this experience is both a challenge and a motivation to engage youth creativity, energy and potential to promote Integral Ecology. Arts and culture can powerfully share Laudato Si’s message and inspire ecological action,” Father Anucha said.
Government and Church leaders join opening
Bishop Joseph Vuthilert Haelom of Chiang Rai Diocese presided over the opening Liturgy of the Word with other bishops and the apostolic nuncio to Thailand.
Representatives of the Religious Affairs Department and the Office of the Private Education Commission of the Ministry of Education were among the guests of honor.
Dr. Phinya Rattanavorachart, deputy secretary-general of the Office of the Private Education Commission, who co-presided over the opening ceremony, praised the initiative.
“This event reflects the power of youth in creating positive changes for society and the environment,” Phinya said.
“The phrase ‘Care for Our Common Home’ goes beyond environmental concerns; it encompasses love, compassion, and responsibility towards life and the planet we share. This concept views the world as a beautiful gift and recognizes that every human being plays a vital role in nurturing and protecting this creation, not merely exploiting its natural resources.”
More than a commemoration
Pope Leo XIV has proclaimed a Special Year of St. Francis to commemorate the 800th anniversary of the saint’s death, running from Jan. 10, 2026, to Jan. 10, 2027, inaugurated by a decree issued by the Apostolic Penitentiary of the Holy See.
“This Jubilee Year holds special significance for our Catholic education,” Father Eakarat said. “It offers our students and teachers in Thailand and worldwide the opportunity to reflect on the enduring legacy of St. Francis.
“The Jubilee is much more than commemorating a historical figure. It is an opportunity to reflect on how his example continues to inspire and shape our world today. The values that guided him — faith, humility, hospitality, peace, service to others, and care for creation — remain at the heart of our Catholic education mission.”
