The Diocese of Down and Connor celebrated the 10th anniversary of Laudato Si’, the week May 19th– 25th. Events kicked off in Clonard Monastery where Ed Peterson built a weekend programme around the anniversary. The 6.15pm Eucharist on Friday was celebrated Fr Oan Runai CssR. His moving homily on how climate change is having a devastating effect on his home country of Indonesia was powerful. Following the Eucharist a showing the film ‘The Letter’ sparked a lively discussion.
On Sunday afternoon a conference –‘Raising Hope- Living Laudato Si’’ was hosted by Clonard Monastery and organised by the Down and Connor Diocesan Laudato Si’ Group. We were welcomed by Ms Anne Marie Duffy chairperson. Among those attending was Very Rev Eugene O’Hagan, Chancellor. Those present were representatives of parishes and interested groups from rural and urban settings in the diocese and representatives from inter-faith groups.
(Ms Anne Marie Duffy. Chairperson of the Down and Connor Care of Creation group. They were instrumental in organising the events for 10th anniversary celebration of the publication of the encyclical Laudato Si’.)
John Barry, Professor of Green Political Economy and Co-Director of the Centre for Sustainability, Equality and Climate Action from QUB, was the keynote speaker. John’s presentation was yet another wake -up call. He challenged us saying that faith groups have a major role to play in mitigating the problems associated with climate change and social justice.
(John Barry with Srs Margaret Rose and Anna. John attributes his interest in care of creation to Sr Margaret Rose – a pioneer in the diocese in care of our common home.)
Other speakers included:
Finbarr Keaveney, a Laudato Si’ Animator- used song and engaging video clips to demonstrate what positive steps have been taken in his parish of Newcastle, Co Down to become more eco- friendly
Berty Stirling from A Rocha, shared on how different social groups across the UK care for creation in a variety of settings. The work with his group is progressing slowly with only one centre in Northern Ireland and regretfully none in the south-as yet!
Nick Hanrahan, Campaigns, Events and Outreach Officer with Trócaire, brought us up to date on how the emphasis on their work is now on education, related to the mitigation of the effects of climate change on the global south.
Anna Byrne DC, representing Eco-Congregation Ireland, outlined how this ecumenical group can support parishes to become more environmentally friendly by focussing on the spiritual, practical, community and global activities in their parish.
(Juanita Majury and Anna Byrne, catching up at the conference)
A tea/coffee break in mid-afternoon gave ample opportunity for chat, informal discussion and questions.
During the weekend we were invited to view a photographic exhibition on ‘Care for Our Common Home’ which was on display in the Monastery Church. This temporary exhibition was undertaken by the Westcourt Centre, Belfast (part of the global Edmund Rice network) to mark the 10th anniversary of publication of the encyclical. Apt quotations from Laudato Si’ accompanied each image taken in the Belfast region.
The Parish of Carryduff
Marking the 10th Anniversary of Pope Francis’ encyclical on Caring for our Common Home, Bishop Alan McGuckian S.J. joined with local clergy, parishioners, principal, teachers and pupils from St Joseph’s Primary School, Carryduff to plant a tree in the grounds of Immaculate Heart of Mary Church, Carryduff.
(Bishop McGuckian SJ with staff and pupils in Carryduff and helping a P1 student to plant the tree)
The Parish of St Brigid
On Saturday 24 May at 10.00am in Derryvolgie Avenue parishioners were invited to ‘World Café’ morning. We were welcomed by the Very Rev Canon E. O’Donnell P.P and hosted by the chair of the Pastoral Council. It was a structured approach where with a cup of coffee, we were given an opportunity to share ideas and listen to others on the theme of ‘Raising Hope and Caring for Our Common Home’.
(Assembled group after the ‘World Café Conversation’ morning in St Brigid’s Parish Centre)
In St Brigid’s too, during Laudato Si’ week pupils from Rathmore Grammar school were invited to share with parishioners some insight into the ongoing work in their school around the topic of Creation. James McKernan, (year 9) Thea-Ellis Thornbury (year 10) and Eve Trimble (year 10) spoke to parishioners on Thursday 29th May about the impact of Laudato Si’ on the younger generation and their hopes for the future. They were supported by their teacher Ms Maeve Wright and well received by the congregation.
(Ms Anne Marie Duffy with Ms Maeve Wright and students from Rathmore)
Permission given for all the above photos.