Planting of tree in Holy Spirit Church, St. Pappin’s Parish Ballymun
L-R: Pauline Hannon IJS, Lucia So, SSC, John Dunphy, P.P, Lena Deevy LSA, Joan Mc Dermott SSC, John O Donoghue
Brenda Quinn sent us this latest news:
Saint Pappin’s Parish, Ballymun, celebrated an evening of prayer and song on Tuesday, March 19. We focused on the earth, our Common Home, using an image of the Universe shedding a tear of loss and profound sadness. We acknowledged our part in the loss of biodiversity around us. We used a lament at the destruction of trees, especially the Rainforest, taken from Heartbeat of the Seasons. We were drawn deeper into reflection as we sang ‘Behold the wood of the cross, on which is hung our salvation.’ after each lament.
Our time together enabled us, as a group, to collectively acknowledge the harm we are doing to the earth and the step/s we would each take to change our ways. On that evening on our Lenten journey we were challenged to both hear and see the cry of the earth.
On the following Sunday, Palm Sunday, we planted two native crab apple trees in the hope and belief that the birds, bees, and insects will find their home once again in our church grounds. We planted a Buddleia bush, known as the Butterfly Bush, in our third church.
By way of encouraging local participation, we invited everyone to plant a lavender shrub in their garden as part of our celebration of Earth Day on April 22.
Life Teems when we Plant Trees! (adapted from Ezekiel 47, v 9, 12)