OUR JOURNEY · 2026–2033
From Seed to Fruit.
Arbores Gratiarum unfolds as a seven-year journey inspired by the life of a tree — from seed and root to trunk, branch, leaf, flower and fruit. Each stage invites us to deepen our faith while accompanying the life we plant, nurture and sustain.
Beginning on the Feast of the Exaltation of the Holy Cross, 14 September 2026, the journey leads toward 2033 and the 2,000th anniversary of the Redemption.
Seven years. Seven stages. One growing pilgrimage of thanksgiving.
01 · THE seed — 2027–2028
The Promise of Life
Every journey begins with a seed. The Word of God may appear small and hidden, yet within it lies the promise of transformation. The first year of Arbores Gratiarum invites us to receive that Word with gratitude and allow it to take root in our lives and communities.
“The seed is the word of God.”
— Luke 8:11
THE JOURNEY THIS YEAR
Commit. Choose. Plant.
Make the first seven-tree commitment, discern the right native and indigenous species for the place, prepare carefully and begin planting and nurturing new life.
Every forest begins with a seed. Every journey begins with a commitment.
02 · THE ROOT — 2027–2028
The Hidden Foundation
Before a tree can reach upward, it must first grow deep. Roots remind us that lasting renewal begins beneath the surface — in faith grounded in Christ, in relationships strengthened through care, and in communities rooted in the places they call home.
“Rooted and built up in him, strengthened in the faith…”
— Colossians 2:7
THE JOURNEY THIS YEAR
Nurture. Deepen. Take root.
Return to the trees already planted. Care for their survival, strengthen local stewardship, deepen ecological knowledge and continue the annual seven-tree commitment.
What grows strong above must first take root below.
03 · THE TRUNK — 2028–2029
Steadfast Strength
As roots deepen, the tree gains the strength to stand. The trunk represents a faith that has become steadfast and visible — formed by perseverance, strengthened through community and ready to endure changing seasons.
“He is like a tree planted by streams of water… whose leaf does not wither.”
— Psalm 1:3
THE JOURNEY THIS YEAR
Strengthen. Protect. Persevere.
Continue caring for trees from previous years while making the new annual commitment. Strengthen protection, monitoring and community stewardship so that what has taken root can mature and endure.
To stand for generations, we must learn to grow with strength.
04 · THE BRANCH — 2029–2030
The Living Connection
A branch does not flourish alone. Its life depends on remaining connected to the tree that nourishes it. The branch reminds us that regeneration is also about relationship — with Christ, with one another, with our communities and with the whole community of creation.
“I am the vine; you are the branches. If you remain in me… you will bear much fruit.”
— John 15:5
THE JOURNEY THIS YEAR
Connect. Expand. Accompany.
Continue nurturing the trees of previous years and make the new annual commitment. Invite families, parishes, schools and communities to grow the journey together, strengthening networks of care and shared ecological stewardship.
What remains connected can grow, reach outward and give life.
05 · 2030–2031 · THE LEAF
The Gift of Healing
Leaves receive light and help sustain the life of the tree. They offer shade, shelter and renewal. The leaf reminds us that a faith deeply rooted and connected must become a source of healing — for people, communities and the wounded ecosystems of our common home.
“The leaves of the tree are for the healing of the nations.”
— Revelation 22:2
THE JOURNEY THIS YEAR
Heal. Restore. Regenerate.
Continue nurturing the growing forest of commitments while planting for the new year. Give particular attention to restoring degraded places, strengthening biodiversity and caring for ecosystems where both human and non-human life can flourish.
What receives light can become a source of healing.
06 · THE FLOWER — 2031–2032
The Promise of Grace
The flower signals that a long season of growth is approaching fruition. Beautiful yet fragile, it reminds us that grace is both gift and promise — calling us to gratitude, humility and hope as the journey draws closer to the Jubilee of Redemption.
“The grass withers and the flowers fall, but the word of our God endures forever.”
— Isaiah 40:8
THE JOURNEY THIS YEAR
Celebrate. Renew. Prepare.
Continue nurturing all that has grown through the journey and make the sixth annual commitment. Celebrate stories of regeneration, renew commitments where care has weakened, and prepare communities for the culmination of the pilgrimage.
What blossoms in grace prepares the way for fruit.
07 · THE FRUIT — 2032–2033
The Gift of The Fulness of the Spirit
Fruit is the visible sign of life brought to maturity. What began as a seed has taken root, grown strong, reached outward, offered healing and blossomed in grace. The fruit reminds us that authentic faith bears visible signs of love, service, communion and care for creation.
“The fruit of the Spirit is love, joy, peace, patience, kindness, generosity, faithfulness…”
— Galatians 5:22
THE JOURNEY THIS YEAR
Give thanks. Bear fruit. Sustain.
Complete the seventh annual commitment while continuing to care for everything planted throughout the journey. Gather the stories, communities and living ecosystems that have grown since 2026, celebrate what has endured, and renew the commitment to sustain them beyond 2033.
What began in thanksgiving now bears fruit in love.
7 years · 49 trees in a personal journey · countless acts of regeneration
BEYOND THE JUBILEE
The fruit becomes a new seed.
The Jubilee of Redemption in 2033 marks a culmination, but not an ending. Trees planted throughout the journey will continue to grow. Forests and ecosystems will still need protection. Communities of care will continue their work of regeneration.
What has borne fruit is called to become seed again — shared, renewed and entrusted to those who will continue the journey
2033 is a milestone.
The care of creation is a continuing vocation.
From fruit to seed, the journey of thanksgiving continues.
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BEYOND THE JUBILEE
Every journey begins with a seed.
The seven-year journey is global, but it begins wherever you are. Make your commitment, choose the right trees for your place, and accompany them as they grow.
Seven trees each year. Seven years.
Plant · Grow · Sustain.
ALREADY MADE A COMMITMENT?
Continue your journey.
Planting is only the beginning. Return throughout the journey toward 2033 to tell us what has been planted, what continues to grow, and the forests and ecosystems you are caring for.