The award was presented by Sr Catherine Brennan, Chairperson of Eco-Congregation, to Sr Regina O'Connell of Kerry Diocesan Justice, Peace and Integrity of Creation Committee at a ceremony in St Brendan's College in Killarney, following a special Mass in St Mary's Cathedral to mark the occasion.
Kerry’s Justice, Peace and Integrity of Creation (JPIC) committee has been working consistently for many years now to promote environmental issues in the diocese.
Its initiatives have included workshops it organised to facilitate local parishes and pastoral groups to mark Earth Week in various ways and the preparation of a Resource Booklet which was available to guide the groups.
Some of the events, which took place at the behest of the committee, have included Harvest Masses, an all-night vigil, discussion groups, traditional butter making, walks, blessing of animals, getting to know the night sky, and planting of bulbs and trees.Kerry Diocese was accorded the Eco-Award specifically as a result of all its impressive Earth Week initiatives undertaken in 2011.
Sr O’Connell received a plaque recycled from an old church pew and certificates for each of the parishes involved.
The attendants at the event included Bishop Bill Murphy.