In a letter to young people to commemorate the 10th anniversary of the release of Laudato Si’, the United States Conference of Catholic Bishops recognized a recent pilgrimage led by California high school students, noting that such efforts “lifts up young voices.” Students from nearly every diocese in California came together, putting their faith into action through this shared journey for climate justice.
Organized by the California Chapter of the Laudato Si’ Movement (LSM) North America and the Jesuits West Province, the pilgrimage was part of the national “Pilgrimages of Hope for Creation” campaign. 400 Catholic youth and adult leaders from across California gathered in Sacramento on Mon., Apr. 7, for a youth-led pilgrimage to the State Capitol.
In their letter, the bishops wrote, “You have the capacity to organize and create change that will endure for generations to come (Evangelii Gaudium, nos. 222-225). One example of this hope in action occurred in early 2025, when a group of 300 youth and 100 adults from many dioceses in California organized a pilgrimage praying for ecological conversion… By this kind of bold witness, youth and young adults serve as a vital bridge. Do not doubt that you have the power to inspire and lead efforts to effect change locally and globally.”
The letter was signed by the Most Reverend Borys Gudziak, Archbishop of Ukrainian Catholic Archeparchy of Philadelphia, Chairman, Committee on Domestic Justice and Human Development and Most Reverend A. Elias Zaidan, Bishop of Maronite Eparchy of Our Lady of Lebanon, Chairman, Committee on International Justice and Peace.
Pilgrims from nearly every Catholic diocese in California—some traveling from as far south as the San Diego border—began their journey on Sun., Apr. 6, with a Mass celebrated by Bishop Jaime Soto at Jesuit High School in Sacramento. Students and adult chaperones, all of whom were staff from participating schools and parishes, walked in prayer from the Capitol to the legislative office building to meet with state legislators. There, they appealed to legislators to support measures that are climate-friendly and care for immigrants.
Organized as part of the Pilgrimages of Hope for Creation, this California pilgrimage is among the first in a national series of events led by more than 20 national Catholic organizations. The initiative celebrates the anniversaries of Laudato Si’, St. Francis of Assisi’s Canticle of the Creatures, and the Catholic Church’s Jubilee Year, inviting all people of goodwill to walk, pray, and act for creation.
Planning team members of the pilgrimage included St. Anthony’s Parish, Bishop O’Dowd High School, Catholic Charities Stockton; Catholic Climate Covenant, Catholic Relief Services, Climate Center; Jesuits West, the Racine Dominicans and the Laudato Si’ Movement.