In May, a visit to the Laudato Si’ Centre in Salford was organised by Christine and Richard Watts from St. William of York parish in Sheffield. They were joined by a small group from St. Vincent’s parish ‘Live Simply’ group along with a CAFOD group from Newcastle under Lyme. Christine and Richard belong to the Lay Community of St. Benedict and about a dozen others from their community also attended. Nestled in the grounds of Wardley Hall (traditional base of the Bishops of Salford) the Centre embodies the spirit and practice of Pope Francis’ encyclical Laudato Si’—a call to all people, regardless of faith, to embrace a lifestyle of sustainability, compassion, and reverence for our planet. Visiting the Centre proved to be a deeply inspiring journey into the heart of Pope Francis’ vision for care for creation, ecological spirituality, and communal hope. The Centre’s gardens, prayer walks, and eco-friendly initiatives invite reflection and action, making the teachings of Laudato Si’ tangible and alive.
The day was led by Emily who puts her heart and soul into her organising role at the Centre. The day started with meditation. We were given various herbs and invited to reflect on any memories or thoughts that the smells evoked. Whilst handling and examining some wildflowers it was easy to marvel at the wonderous mystery of creation in all its beauty. There followed a guided tour of some of the 85 acres on the site. In five years a previously lawned area had evolved into a glorious display of fruit trees, wildflower meadows, lavender trails, herb and vegetable patches. A perfect example of the resilience and harmony of nature if left much to its own devices. We weren’t there just to admire the gardens, we were there to appreciate and reflect on how everything is interconnected, and that life needs diversity to thrive. One of the main aims of the Centre is to reach out to marginalised groups offering programmes for refugees and asylum seekers, people with mental health and addiction problems and to offer horticultural therapy for all ages. Thousands have visited the Centre since it opened in 2019. The Centre works with schools, parishes, local food banks, and community groups. We heard powerful stories of how nature can calm troubled minds when support and kindness are given within this outdoor setting (including a fascinating link with the local Fire Service and its programme for those convicted of fire-setting crimes). Nature was used to create images (e.g. a willow dome is being grown which has the exact space within it that a tent has for a family of four in the Calais camps).
What sets this Centre apart is its commitment to integrating faith with environmental stewardship. Every resource and activity is designed to deepen one’s connection to both God and creation. The Centre doesn’t just talk about sustainability—it demonstrates it and lives it. There was only one structure that was bought for the site, everything else is re-purposed, re-used, recycled, nothing goes to waste. The atmosphere is one of hope and renewal fostering a sense of shared responsibility, a sense that protecting our common home is not just an environmental duty but a spiritual one.
For anyone seeking to align their values with meaningful action, the Laudato Si’ Centre is a sanctuary of inspiration. It challenges us to see the world through a lens of integrity, dignity, and compassion—values at the core of Pope Francis’ teachings. A visit here is more than a trip; it’s an invitation to transform how we live, pray, and care for our shared planet.Ann Burke
