Laudato Si’ Week kicked off on May 24, and San Antonio is the first community in Texas to begin the celebration with a Pilgrimage of Hope for Creation. The pilgrimage was organized by Father John from the Little Flower Basilica, a Laudato Si’ Animator and member of the Texas LSM Chapter. The event brought together more than 70 participants and took them from the Little Flower Basilica to San Fernando Cathedral.
The pilgrimage began with a prayer led by Father John, followed by a reflective walk. A group of students known as the Earth Angels from St. Anthony Catholic High School joined the walk, picking up trash while praying the rosary. Another group from St. Vincent de Paul helped by distributing food to people experiencing homelessness—acts that answered both the cry of the Earth and the cry of the poor.
During the walk, some pilgrims shared their reflections:
“This is my first pilgrimage and it’s really, really nice because when you’re walking, you reflect on God’s creation—you look at the trees, the birds.”
— Norma Aguilar, parishioner at Little Flower Basilica
“It was beautiful to go out and meet people where they are, during our walk—the homeless—and feed them. We didn’t clothe them, but they are clothed. Our Heavenly Father says not to worry, because He clothes the birds and feeds them. These people appreciated the little we gave. It’s a grace to have this experience and this walk with Laudato Si’. It was beautiful.”
— Cynthia Huerta, parishioner at Little Flower Basilica
The pilgrimage concluded at San Fernando Cathedral with a closing prayer and a few inspiring speakers who encouraged the community to keep taking action for our common home. This shared experience was a true encounter with God and with creation.