From 1-3 February 2025, over three days of inspiring conversations, heartfelt reflections and a renewed call to action, Belfast played host to Dr Lorna Gold in her first official engagements as the new Executive Director of the Laudato Sì Movement. Her visit, at the invitation of the 4 Corners Festival, brought together faith leaders, climate advocates and community members, all united by a shared commitment to caring for our common home.
4 Corners Festival
The 4 Corners Festival was founded to bridge divides in Belfast, bringing together people from different backgrounds to share ideas, build relationships and explore urgent social and ethical issues. Each year, it features events designed to challenge and inspire across faith, culture and activism. This year’s theme, “Home?” was a perfect backdrop for Dr. Gold’s visit, emphasizing the urgent need to care for our shared planetary home. Her presence was a testament to the festival’s commitment to tackling some of the most pressing moral and spiritual issues of our time.
A Leader for Our Times
Dr. Gold is no stranger to Belfast. Known internationally for her work in faith-based climate justice, she has spent over two decades championing the urgent need for a just transition. As she stepped into her new role leading one of the most influential Catholic environmental movements, the Laudato Sì Movement, her first stop was Northern Ireland, underscoring the deep connections between local communities and the global ecological movement. Her visit took place in the 10th anniversary year of Laudato Sì, Pope Francis’s ground-breaking encyclical on environmental care. Throughout the weekend, her message was clear: faith communities have a unique and powerful role in protecting our planet and there is no time to waste.
A Voice on the Airwaves
On Sunday morning (2nd February), Dr. Gold’s voice carried across Northern Ireland and beyond, through BBC Radio Ulster, where she reflected on the theme of “Home?”
Beginning with the Gospel story of the calming of the storm, she urged listeners to see the Earth as a home we all share, a place that requires collective care and protection.
Catch up here: https://www.bbc.co.uk/sounds/play/m0027krl
Further Info
For more information, contact Juanita Majury by email on info@jointhedotstogether.org.
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