From 23rd to 25th, Nov. 2018 the international network PILGRIM ran a meeting called „PILGRIM Jugendklimagipfel“ („PILGRIM Summit of Climate Protection“) in Katowice, one week before the COP 24, the climate conference started in Katowice, Poland, which is still being held.
The KPH Wien/Krems PILGRIM centre, the school departement of the archdiocese of Katowice, Renovabis and the PILGRIM association organised an encounter of students and teachers from seven CEE countries: From Ukraine via Romania, Hungary, Slowakia, Czech Republic, Austria to Poland. PILGRIM institutions presented their PILGRIM projects. I personally was very touched by Ukraine. Four schools showed a serious shift to becoming an eco-school. All supported by RE and Churches. And, secondly, by a Hungarian school for Roma-children, Buddhists, that wants to give a chance for higher education to leave the vicious circle of poverty.
A highlight was a small climate pilgrimage to the city centre of Katowice, where in the climate pavillion the President of Katowice, Dr Krupa, got the PILGRIM manifest with steps toward a future in sustainability and spirituality. The manifest can be found on the homepage of PILGRIM in an English version.
Spirituality took place in a meditation in the crypte of the cathedral and a mass in the coal mine “Guido”. A highlight for the pupils and students was the evening of „Joy of Creation“.