
Emma Darling, Communications Officer for the Columbans in Britain, accompanied James Trewby, Columban Justice and Peace Co-ordinator recently on a preparation day which brought together members of the Kenelm Youth Team Mission Team and passionate Oscott volunteers, committed to environmental stewardship inspired by the Pope’s encyclical, Laudato Si’. The aim of the preparation day was to equip the group so that they can facilitate eco-retreats for small groups of primary and secondary children over the course of 2025. Held at St. Mary’s College Oscott, Birmingham on Monday 13th January 2025, the preparation day was led by James Trewby and Libby Cox, Engagement and Accompaniment Worker from the Kenelm Youth Trust.
As part of the exploration of Laudato Si’, James facilitated a compelling discussion with Marjorie (Marj) Engcoy, a Columban Missionary living and working in Southern Philippines. Marj shared her first-hand experiences of living with communities severely impacted by climate change, highlighting the increasing intensity and frequency of typhoons and their devastating effects on the poor and vulnerable communities that she accompanies. She explained what caring for creation means to her and how she wants to challenge young people to be inspired by Laudato Si’ and to take bold and courageous action in working in solidarity to care for God’s creation.
Besides the Zoom call with the Philippines, the group participated in a number of different activities for young people that will be used to connect with the Earth’s natural beauty and to promote discussion around various themes presented in Laudato Si’. As well as an opportunity to design a piece of art using only natural items found on the floor within Oscott’s grounds, there was a high-energy Laudato Si’ ‘fact or fiction’ game, charades and a bee hunt through the woods. There was also time for reflection during a beautiful quiet drawing session.

Following this preparation day, Kenelm Youth Trust Mission Team members, with assistance from the Oscott volunteers, will begin to lead eco-retreats. Oscott’s extensive grounds provide a serene environment for reflection and connection with nature; an ideal setting for Laudato Si’ eco-retreats and making them a perfect partner of this project. The college are keen to support the education of young people in the Archdiocese, and are pleased to be fostering environmental awareness and stewardship among the youth.
“In recent years, Oscott has worked hard to improve the environmental impact of our historic site: use of solar power, new biomass boilers, improved energy efficiency and responsible management of our grounds”, explains Fr. Andrew Allman, Vice Rector. He adds, “We are delighted to also make a small contribution to the environmental awareness of young people, and to set this awareness in the context of our love of God the creator and of our brothers and sisters around the world. The enthusiasm of all involved will certainly help to inspire young people in both their faith and their care for creation.”
Talking of the preparation day, James Trewby, Columban Justice and Peace Co-ordinator explains, “The interconnectedness of global issues, as highlighted in Laudato Si’, calls us to respond in solidarity to create a more just and sustainable world. This partnership between the Columbans in Britain, Oscott and KYT demonstrates such a response, showing how working together offers a joined-up solution to our shared environmental and social challenges.”

Kenelm Youth Trust offers a range of programmes aimed at fostering spiritual development and leadership among young people. KYT values its partnership with the Columbans in Britain, recognising their shared commitment to faith-based environmental stewardship and youth engagement.
Present at the preparation day was Melissa, a Mission Team Volunteer at KYT who believes “Education is at the heart of Laudato Si’ in the UK, and this initiative seeks to empower future generations with knowledge about their environmental impact.” She adds, “I’m really excited to have the opportunity to inspire young people to live out the Gospel through environmental action, building a more sustainable and just world.”
Engaging young people to appreciate their role in biodiversity protection is in line with the Columbans’ long-term commitment to ecological education, reflecting our broader strategy to promote environmental stewardship and biodiversity restoration. The Columbans are thrilled to have been invited to participate in the project and to collaborate with the Archdiocese of Birmingham. We are confident that these eco-retreats will inspire young people and future generations to make meaningful contributions to the care of our common home.
For more information about our eco-retreats for young people and educators, please contact James Trewby via email: education@columbans.co.uk.
