Carmel O’Neill sent us this latest news:
Throughout the month of Sept, a sacred space was set up in front of the altar displaying aspects of creation. As the weeks went by seasonal berries and fruits were added along with a prayer for the Earth and a photo of Pope Francis. Pope Francis prayer for the Earth was read at the weekend mass and prayers of intercession offered for all who are suffering the effects of forest fires, drought and flooding which are now happening all too frequently. We also offered prayers of thanksgiving for the fruits of a good harvest in our community.
In mid Sept the children who are preparing for First Holy Communion took part in a tree planting ceremony in the carpark area of Blessington church. Some trees and shrubs were recently removed to facilitate the laying of underground pipes . We explained to the children the importance of replacing trees that have been cut down. A red hawthorn was chosen because it is native and also because it produces red flowers in Spring followed by red berries in the Autumn. Fr Richard blessed the tree and the children took part in prayers of thanksgiving.
To mark the feast of St Francis of Assisi a ceremony was held in the carpark of Blessington church to bless the pets of our parishioners. Fr Noel Campbell, who is passionate about animals performed the ceremony. Each family was given a prayer card with the prayer of St Francis of Assisi. This was the first time the parish held a blessing for pets. As it was much appreciated by young and old, we hope to do it on an annual basis.
On Oct 3rd, a celebration to mark the feast of St Francis of Assisi was held in Blessington church. Members of the Pastoral councils took part in the service, recalling the example of St Francis, reading his canticle of the Sun and meditating on the gift of our natural resources. We also reflected on our lifestyle and how we can return to the earth the sustainment we receive from it.
Recently a new men’s shed group was established in Valleymount parish. Deacon Gerry is liaising with the group who are meeting twice weekly in the stables at the back of the Parochial House Valleymount. Fr Richard has generously made the ground beside the stables available for the purpose of setting up a market garden. The men’s group hope to involve the schoolchildren from the local school in the growing of fruit and vegetables. To launch this new venture, a social night was held on Sat Sept 24th with a sing song followed by refreshments.
On Sat Aug 27th members of Lacken Tidy Village group and Eco Congregation attended a talk in Luggala organised by West Wicklow Environment Network. The estate was the home of the late Guinness heir Garech Browne and following his death it was purchased by a Swiss Italian who is committed to environmental and heritage conservation. The farm manager gave an impressive talk on sustainable farming methods, which include the repairing the old stone walls, removing sheep from the hills to prevent soil erosion and clearing the grounds of invasive species e,g rhododendron and fern. Their future plans include the restoration of the bogland and the planting of an oak trail along the ridge of one of the hills. We were all very uplifted to hear that this unique estate has come into the hands of an innovative environmentalist.