The Marianist Family Encounters Project in Action: Barry University's Ecological Action Showcase Embodies Laudato Si’

Students and faculty from Chaminade-Madonna College Preparatory, Hollywood, FL, recently participated in the Ecological Action Showcase at Barry University, where they presented environmental initiatives, celebrated a student's award-winning sustainable project, and deepened their Marianist commitment to ecological justice and the teachings of Laudato Si'.

On April 30th, 31 students and three moderators from CMCP attended the Ecological Action Showcase at Barry University in Miami, FL. They joined about 150 other students and teachers from Catholic high schools in the Archdiocese of Miami. The April 30th event featured a wide range of student-led and community-engaged projects, including research on coastal ecosystem protection, climate adaptation, sustainable agriculture and food justice initiatives, renewable energy and conservation strategies, and community partnerships focused on environmental education and resilience. This event offered a compelling witness, bringing together students, faculty, and community partners in a shared commitment to Laudato Si'. Our participation served as a vibrant expression of our Characteristics of Marianist Education (CMEs), which are closely aligned with the vision of the Marianist Family Encounters Project.

We started our day with a keynote address that framed the day in hope, courage, and action, connecting Catholic Social Teaching to ecological justice. Each high school was provided with a dedicated exhibit space to showcase the work they had initiated. All participants visited the displays, asked questions about the initiatives highlighted in the showcase, and engaged in guided outdoor experiences designed to foster a spiritual connection with creation and cultivate ecological mindfulness. In addition, the program's organizers recognized exemplary ecological leadership in each of the seven goals of Laudato Si. We were very proud of Sofia Gomez, who won first place for her Trash-to-Trend Fashion entry in the Adoption of Sustainable Lifestyles category.

Our participation in the showcase demonstrated how Marianist education forms individuals who integrate faith, intellect, and action in service to the common good. This holistic approach reflects not only the Marianist belief that education must address the full complexity of human and ecological realities but also touches on all the goals of the Marianist Family Encounters Project.

When asked about their experience at the Showcase, sophomore Moises Andre shared these reflections:

 "I liked the Ecological Action Showcase and the opportunity to compete with other schools in a fun way. There were many students from environmental clubs at different schools, with whom we could interact, show them the art we made, and share the food we brought from our campus garden. What I liked most was the part of the program that had us observe our surroundings through a self-reflection exercise. After the reflection, I thought about bees and how we treat them. I saw lots of bees on flowers, doing their duty to pollinate and help our environment, and I realized we need to stop disturbing their hives and habitats because bees are important to the environment. Through the environment, we observe God."

As CMCP continues to deepen its commitment to the Marianist Family Encounters Project and Laudato Si', the work showcased at Barry University serves as both inspiration and an invitation—calling CMCP to ongoing reflection, collaboration, and action in the spirit of Mary.

Photos, top row: CMCP Students with their recycled Art Projects; Plastic Bottle Cap Art;

Second row: Sofia Gomez with her Fashion Entry; CMCP Students at the Ecological Showcase

Update sent by Bro. Jack Ventura, SM

Ministry Lead, Marianist Encounters

Director, Mission Integration Team

Chaminade-Madonna College Preparatory

Hollywood, FL