Earlier, Bishop Tom Deenihan, Bishop of Meath, officiated at the blessing for the opening of the Ploughing Championships, along with the Church of Ireland’s Rev Isobel Jackson, Dean of Saint Brigid’s Cathedral, Kildare, who represented the recently retired Bishop Patricia Storey.
Prayers were offered for those who work on the land, for the produce that is yields, and for those who are without land to grow food at this time.
Bishop Tom said, “It was interesting to note this year that the focus of those present at the Ploughing is on the care for creation. In her opening speech, President Catherine Connolly also referred to this theme, and I have received similar feedback from people attending this event from the Diocese of Meath and beyond. It is clear that global warming is having a detrimental effect on agriculture in Ireland, and indeed on food production itself.
“In that sense, Pope Francis’ 2015 encyclical letter Laudato Si, as well as the Church’s Season of Creation – which we are currently celebrating from 1 September until 4 October, the feast of Saint Francis of Assisi the patron of the environment – are particularly relevant to those that are attending the Ploughing, and for the people whose livelihood depends on agriculture.”
Bishop Tom continued, “the Ploughing this year is a call to all of us to take extra care of our common home. It is uplifting to see how local community spirit is supporting the event and, in turn, how this spirit is bringing our communities together. I wish to congratulate the organisers, Anna May McHugh and her team, and especially the volunteers, on what was a very successful opening day.”
“I pray that the weather in the days ahead will be as equally benign as it has been today,” Bishop Tom said.