One diocese has taken the Bishop's pastoral, The Cry of the Earth, to heart and organised seven days of focus on the environment. The Kerry Earth Week includes harvest thanksgiving mass or services in several parishes this week as well as nature walks, stargazing, talks and workshops.
“Earth Week is a week-long celebration of the gift of our created world with a call to respect and care for it,” said the organisers, Kerry Diocesan Justice, Peace & the Integrity of Creation Committee.
For 10 years, they have held a day annually in different venues such as Tralee, Béal, Gortbrack, Miltown, and Lyreacrompane. This year they have expanded to fill a week.
Fr. Sean Mc Donagh. SSC speaks on Climate Change - The challenge to all of us on Thursday. He is highlighting the religious and ethical dimension of climate change.
Trócaire is hosting a workshop on Climate Justice exploring the impact of climate change on households and small communities in Malawi, Honduras, Bolivia and Kenya.
The Kenmare Parish Project is being launched at the weekend. Earthlore, as it is called, aims to rediscover the lost knowledge, crafts and customs of the earth in the parish of Kenmare.
It involves schoolchildren asking their grandparents and the older generation about the old sayings and customs that illustrate a more sustainable way of life.
The children are presenting some artwork reflecting this at the launch.
“The idea is to find out what was known by earlier generations and the ways they were living in harmony with the earth,” organiser Sylvia Thompson told CiNews.
“The project creates links between the generations; we hope that other parishes will do it too.”
Transition year students are organising a handout for masses and it is hoped enough interest will be shown by parishioners who want to get involved.
Other events during the week include a visit to Inisfallen is facilitated by Emer Madigan, a Presentation Sister who says she, “wants people to savour its beauty and tranquillity, visit its monastic ruins, and tap into the wisdom, energy and power that flow from this ancient seat of learning and holiness.”
Kerry Earth Week (September 26 – October 4) is now in full swing, mindful of Pope Benedict XVI’s words: “The environment is God’s gift to everyone, and in our use of it we have a responsibility towards the poor, towards future generations and towards humanity as a whole…”
Trócaire talk is at St. Brigid’s Secondary School, Killarney on Saturday October 2.
Fr. Sean Mc Donagh’s talk is on Thursday September 30 at Malton Theatre, Killarney.
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