“There are no lasting changes without cultural changes, without a maturing of lifestyles and convictions within societies, and there are no cultural changes without personal changes.” (Laudate Deum #70)

Nurture the culture, nurture the nature. This is probably the underlying message we received from participating in this year’s Service Learning Program (SLP) in Naga, Philippines. Ateneo de Naga University was more than just a gracious host but also a “womb” that allowed us to give birth to a family of “cultures for nature”.

Delegates from Xavier Learning Community in Thailand, Sophia University in Japan, Sanata Dharma University in Indonesia, Instituto de São João de Brito in Timor-Leste, and several Ateneo universities across the Philippines—including Xavier University-Ateneo de Cagayan, Ateneo de Davao University, Ateneo de Manila University, and Ateneo de Naga University—learnt how to become servants for Mother Nature, recognising ourselves as her children.

The late Pope Francis’ Apostolic Exhortation Laudate Deum highlights the deep connection between personal changes and lasting cultural transformation. This year’s SLP was an effort to manifest that connection. Through lectures, discussions, activities with and for nature, and immersions in the homes of the stewards of nature, participants forged bonds that united them as members of Mother Nature’s extended family.

I had the privilege of accompanying the student delegates from Sophia University as a faculty companion. Below are some of their personal reflections, which reveal the initial transformation of their personal “seeds” nurtured throughout the programme.

Matsuhira Nana (1st-year student)

Through my experience at SLP, I felt myself gradually becoming one with nature. At first, I panicked when I saw dogs or large insects, but now I am used to insects landing on me and dogs and cats coming close to me—I don’t think anything of it. During my homestay, I remember eating with my hands and taking a shower in a tub. It was only when I accepted the disruption to my routine and the inconveniences that I felt I was truly growing closer to nature.

Awazu Hikari (1st-year student)

SLP helped me understand what it really means to love nature. Through activities and community immersion, I was able to experience nature with my heart. I realised once again that being one with nature requires knowledge and deep engagement. I also built strong bonds with the other SLP participants that I hope will last forever. I am grateful for this programme, which brought together students from different backgrounds united by care for Mother Nature.

Tsuda Masaki (2nd-year student)

In line with the theme “One with Nature,” this programme allowed me to examine the relationship between nature and humans from various perspectives. Furthermore, I had many opportunities to present my thoughts in discussions with delegations from other countries, which boosted my confidence for the future. Viewing Japan from a Southeast Asian perspective was a new and valuable learning experience. As a non-Christian, I initially felt some hesitation about fitting in, but everyone was very welcoming from the start, and we found common ground easily. I was able to gain insights and experiences that I could not have gained simply by living in Tokyo. Thus, each day became a valuable experience of both becoming one with nature and the stewards of Mother Nature.

Sugiyama Rion (4th-year student)

These past two weeks have been filled with gratitude for the opportunity to experience nature in ways not possible in Japan and for the chance to meet international friends. One memorable experience was planting mangroves while wading waist-deep in mud. Learning that it takes 15 years for the propagules we planted to grow into trees made me truly appreciate the challenge and importance of protecting nature. Additionally, meeting international peers allowed me to discover new cultures and realise that even when places are far apart, values can be shared. The late-night conversations and laughter with them are cherished memories. I am sincerely amazed by the strength of the Jesuit network that made these connections with nature and friends possible.

Delegates from Sophia University, Tokyo (L-R): Masaki Tsuda, Rion Sugiyama, Hikari Awazu, Fr Antonius Firmansyah SJ, and Nana Matsuhira

Participating in this programme also raised many personal questions for the participants. These questions, however, are the driving force for building continuous hope. In the end, we returned to our respective countries carrying those personal questions into the local contexts of our homes. Simultaneously, we also realised that we are now forever connected to one another as children of Mother Nature, not only inhabiting but also culturally nurturing the common home, a place that holds hope for a better future.