29 young people recently participated in an earth vigil in Killorglin on the theme of ‘Shelter’. The vigil ran from dusk to dawn with presentations made about ‘environment’ and ‘justice’.
Speakers from diverse backgrounds presented pieces on beekeeping, the oak tree, water use in Kerry and contemporary life in Sudan, Guatemala and Zimbabwe, problems and joy.
Rev Elaine Murray, Church of Ireland representative on Eco-Congregation Ireland (ECI), told them about how Eco-Congregation enables and equips congregations as communities and individuals to lead more eco-friendly lives. She also encouraged them to realise they had the responsibility and the power to change the direction we were heading in.
Rev Mairt led the young people in reflection from time to time through the night.
The organisers felt that seeds of care and justice were planted in the young people who took part and hope that, in time, these will grow.