Mariana's LSM Seed Project in 2025 has developed into a tailored program for students and teachers - Photo: Adi Mariana Waqa
On the evening of Wednesday, the 6th of May 2026, Columban Regional Coordinator for Schools and Community Partnerships, Ms. Adi Mariana Waqa, facilitated an online presentation to over 50 Laudato Si future animators in the Asia-Pacific region.
A Laudato Si Movement (LSM) animator and animator of animators who is currently supporting a group of ten people through the 2026 course, Mariana shared her experiences from last year’s programme and her seed project where she presented on “Care for Our Common Home” to primary school students.
Speaking on how prayer and faith can translate to action, Mariana shared that while it can be easy to feel overwhelmed by the ongoing ecological crisis, every small effort counts towards living a simpler and more intentional life. Turning off the tap while brushing your teeth, switching off the light or television when no longer using a room, or simply having conversations about waste management and recycling in the family home, are ways of embodying Laudato Si.
Mariana addressed the tensions and challenges that participants can face when planning and executing their seed projects. Telling them it is okay to feel scared, anxious, or uncertain, but they must decide to try anyway because of the important message they have to share with their families, communities, and parish groups.
Closing her presentation, Mariana encouraged participants to identify themselves through the interconnectedness of God’s creation, because this will help them develop the courage to plan and facilitate their seed projects.
Mariana has continued her LSM seed project through her work at the Columban Mission Centre in Melbourne, where she and a dedicated team of Columban Priests and co-workers offer workshops to help children and adults alike connect their Catholic spirituality to faith-led action that cares for creation and protects the earth’s biodiversity.
Adi Mariana Waqa is the Regional Partnership Coordinator at St Columbans, Essendon.
Related links
- Read Certificate: CERTIFICATE OF APPRECIATION_ Mariana Waqa - PDF
Mariana's LSM Seed Project in 2025 has developed into a tailored program for students and teachers - Photo: Adi Mariana Waqa