Growing Laudato Si':

An Exciting Spring at BLI

From growing partnerships to on-campus workshops to a new cohort of Caretaker trainees, BLI has had an exciting start to 2026. Read more below.

Growing Local Partnerships

Community integration is vital to BLI's mission. In the past few months, our Caretakers, trainees, and staff have continued to forge regional connections and build the BLI network.

At the end of February, BLI hosted a weeklong workshop on agroforestry at its campus. In partnership with the Agroforestry Promotion Network, BLI brought together individuals from five different countries (Uganda, Zimbabwe, Tanzania, Switzerland, and the Democratic Republic of the Congo) to focus on how forestry can be used as a vital tool to restore soil fertility and improve water retention on farms.

BLI also continued to grow its longstanding partnership with Uwepo Farm in Jinja, Uganda. Earlier this year, fifteen BLI trainees spent a month at the farm, gaining hands-on experience through Uwepo's internship program. Thomas Lutakome, a Cohort V trainee, said that the internship exposed him further to how "small scale farmers can improve their livelihoods through sustainable agriculture."

BLI has also been integral in expanding the Laudato Si' Club, a network that aims to spread integral ecology to organizations everywhere. Recently, BLI helped in welcoming a local secondary school to the Club. BLI also hosted a group of seminarians from Ggaba who have joined the Club. After the visit, one of the seminarians remarked that the “experience has opened our eyes to the responsibility we carry as future leaders of the Church—not only to guide spiritually but also to protect and nurture God’s creation.”

Global Reach Abounds

BLI has also continued to grow its global reach. Co-Founder and President Emmanuel Katongole recently wrote an article in the National Catholic Reporter, discussing Pope Leo's visit to Africa. He also was interviewed in an NPR podcast discussing the same.

Father Katongole was also recently featured in videos by the Laudato Youth Network during his visit to Castel Gandolfo, a location known for being the long-standing summer residence of various popes. He was at a two-day conference with leaders from around the world aimed at growing and promoting the Global Alliance for Laudato Si'.

Join BLI in Sharing Laudato Si' With the World

BLI's work is only possible because of supporters like you. Consider donating to one of our special projects or general operating expenses.

Introductions to funding sources are always appreciated. If you would like to host a fundraiser for BLI, or have any questions about our projects or campaigns, please reach out to Theresa Murray, Development Director, at (574) 208-3919 or tmurray@bethanylandinstitute.org.