This new booklet has been published by the Heritage Council, and its launch takes place in Newpark Hotel, Kilkenny.
Attending the launch Bishop Hayes said, “In March 2023 the Irish Catholic Bishops’ Conference recommended to parishes across the island, that they commit to a return of 30% of their church grounds to nature by 2030. In the meantime, the Laudato Si’ Working Group, on behalf of the Bishops’ Conference, has sought and acquired the support of the Heritage Council through its Chief Executive, Ms Virgina Teehan; the Head of Climate Change, Ms Catherine Casey; its Biodiversity Officers, notably, Ms Meadhbh Bolger, as well as Biodiversity Officers in counties throughout the Republic. These professionals can offer advice and guidance to parish faith communities who are willing to engage in the 30% Return to Nature initiative.
“I wish to thank the Heritage Council for its support in publishing Havens for Nature Supporting Biodiversity in Faith Grounds, which can serve as an important resource to benefit faith communities and all people of goodwill. In particular, this new booklet will provide invaluable assistance to the volunteers in parish community groups to help address ‘the why’ of nurturing biodiversity, to support groups in planning and managing grass, hedgerows, trees, buildings for wildlife, develop ponds, and, in recording their subsequent impact on the numbers of each species of insect, bird, and animal.
“Havens for Nature Supporting Biodiversity in Faith Grounds offers itself as a tremendous resource to all faith groups in the spirit of Pope Francis’ 2015 bestselling encyclical letter, Laudato Si’, on Care for our Common Home, as well as through Trócaire, Eco-Congregation Ireland, and the Muslim, Buddhist, and Sikh faith traditions, in caring for creation.”
Bishop Hayes concluded, “The late pope succinctly synthesised humanity’s need to reconcile with God’s creation when he stated, ‘Because all creatures are connected, each must be cherished with love and respect, for all of us as living creatures are dependent on one another'” (Laudato Si’, 42, Pope Francis, 2015).