Just this month gone, my parish was invited by the multi-denominational Eco Congregation Ireland to host their Climate Justice Candle – an initiative to promote sustainability and social justice represented by a flame of faith and hope which makes its journey around Ireland.
Our theme grew from the ambers of an idea to form a ‘care for creation’ group following closely in the footsteps of Pope Francis’ principles of Laduato Si’ and how we, as a parish community, can care for our common home, the environment through the lens of energy conscious and ecology. Laudato Si’ meaning “Praise be to you,” and it is in praising God that we can never have too much confidence in the good God – as we hope in Him so shall we receive (St Therese).
Building on the smallest icon representing the Laudato Si’ Platform – which was represented by a tree, the group developed large scale versions which were placed in our sacred space to promote ‘ideas in a leaf’ across our parish community. One tree labelled Care for Our Energy and the other Care for our Ecology framed the candle and the overall efforts which flourished. Each tree was capped by the three-branch symbol from the Laudato Si’ Icon, representing the holy trinity, which blessed the tree and all who engage in nourishing, by placing their idea on a leaf on its 12 branches, representing the apostles who each symbolise hope in our church in their unique way.
The participation was beyond our greatest expectation, with 365 ideas in a leaf received and which truly made for a delightful sight in our church, showing ideas from parishioner households as to how they encourage biodiversity, cut down on waste or reduce their energy consumption. Of particular note was that over 80% of the ideas were contributed by children, to secure our future, their common home; most of the ideas were simple, ordinary tasks treated with great love – this is the ‘Little Way’ as St Therese of Lisieux would often say. It is though that little way, that our little ones, give the greatest hope of all.
Our parish has since saved over 50% of all our electricity usage thanks to the energy efficiency initiatives, along with a vibrant grassland area where the birds sing, and bees, be, for all to see. I think this is a picture of hope, where inviting the youngest in our community to help solve our greatest environmental problems, by simply doing the small things with great love, really does work!
Anthony Farrell T.O.C
