On Saturday, May 17, the parish of Saint Francis Xavier, a Laudato Si’ Parish and a member of the Laudato Si’ Movement New York Chapter, hosted its first-ever Pilgrimage of Hope for Creation, an event that included nearly 40 individuals seeking to bring Laudato Si’ to life in the city.
Organized as a parish event of St. Francis Xavier, the pilgrimage marked an early celebration of Laudato Si’ Week, the Jubilee Year, and the 800th anniversary of the Canticle of the Creatures. It was a moving testament to faith in action which honored creation, community, and the legacy of Saint Francis.
The day began with the planting of a “Laudato Si’ Tree” at the St. Frances Xavier Cabrini Shrine, a recognized Jubilee site. The tree was planted in honor of Pope Francis and the 10th anniversary of his encyclical, Laudato Si’. The Shrine, beloved by many immigrants, was a meaningful place to begin, as Mother Cabrini is the patron saint of immigrants and the center continues to serve immigrant communities today.
Pilgrims then gathered for a special Mass of Hope for Creation, celebrated by Fr. CY Kao, assistant pastor of St. Francis Xavier. The liturgy centered the day in prayer and hope, offering gratitude for God’s gifts and renewal for the journey ahead.
The pilgrimage concluded with a meditative walk through nearby Fort Tryon Park, where participants paused to experience the beauty of nature and reflect on the call to care for our common home.
Pilgrims began their journey together on the subway, wearing small banners that sparked curiosity and conversation with other riders. This provided an opportunity for witness and dialogue.
As a Laudato Si’ Parish, St. Francis Xavier hopes that this pilgrimage will inspire other parishes in the New York Chapter to build on this momentum, and create more pilgrimages that reflect the mission of Laudato Si’ and the spirit of Pope Francis. Already, another parish that is part of MNYCCM hosted a pilgrimage for their family faith participants to highlight Dorothy Day and Pope Francis and visit the area’s botanical garden.