Eco-spirituality, sustainability, hospitality
Twelve delegates from the ecology sector of Jesuit works met at Casa Velha in Portugal, with two additional participants joining online, from 17–21 March 2026. Casa Velha is an eco-spirituality project rooted in sustainable living and community life. During the meeting, delegates shared updates from their Provinces, with several reporting the establishment of ecological teams made up of Jesuits and lay collaborators to support ongoing ecological initiatives.
Discussions highlighted two interconnected priorities present across all Provinces: fostering personal and communal ecological conversion among Jesuits and lay colleagues, and implementing the structural and practical changes needed to make care for our common home a lived reality.
Throughout the gathering, participants reflected on the deep connection between social justice, spirituality, and ecology. There was also a shared recognition that ecological conversion unfolds differently depending on local contexts and realities.
In 2022, a network of European Eco-Delegates was established to support and promote the 4th Universal Apostolic Preference (UAP), Caring for our Common Home, within Jesuit Provinces across Europe. Inspired by Pope Francis’ Laudato Si’, the initiative responds to the environmental and social crises facing our world today.
The Eco-Delegates have been meeting regularly online throughout the year and gather annually in person to share experiences, reflect on challenges, and strengthen collaboration in their shared mission of ecological conversion.
Casa Velha provided an ideal setting for this year’s in-person conversations. Located on an ecologically focused working farm, the centre integrates eco-spirituality into daily life. Each day began and ended with simple multilingual liturgies held in the Chapel of the Good Shepherd, a prayerful space created from a converted garage. Shared meals with the Casa Velha community, prepared with local and mostly plant-based ingredients, further reflected the values of sustainability and hospitality.
