Patricia Keenan sent us this report:
Bishop Martin Hayes and the Kilmore Care of Creation Group were delighted to host the Eco-Congregation Ireland Climate Justice Candle during the week of the eight anniversary of Pope Francis’ Encyclical on Care for Our Common Home. As sacred care of creation music filled the Cathedral and the pillars adorned with stunning artwork depicting images of the earth and humanity by local students, Bishop Martin lit the climate justice candle to begin the Liturgy. The youth of the parish and the congregation at large made a significant contribution to the celebration of the Liturgy of the Word and the Liturgy of the Eucharist.
In his homily, Bishop Martin emphasized that “we are a people of hope and where Jesus has gone we are called to follow. Our mission as God’s people is to listen to the cry of the earth and the cry of the poor. The presence of the Climate Justice candle stands as an invitation to prayer and reflection on climate justice. The key message is a call to acknowledge that all of God’s creation is created to sustain all that He has created.” This is an invitation for each one of us to make conscious decisions on a daily basis to share more equally and live more justly.
The Kilmore Care of Creation Group comprise members from the Catholic Community and the neighbouring Church of Ireland Community. An information handout was prepared for members of the congregation which contained a beautiful prayer for the earth and some important links containing the work of many organisations including Trócaire. Members of the congregation who have yet to watch Pope Francis’ film documentary ‘The Letter’ were encouraged to do so at www.theletterfilm.org.
The Candle created a vocal point throughout the week not only in the Cathedral but in the
surrounding parishes, convent, and schools within the Diocese. For more information:
https://www.kilmorediocese.ie/shine-a-light-on-climate-justice-hope-for-the-earth-hope-for-humanity/.
The Cavan Parish are currently liaising with the Kilmore Care of Creation on a number of Projects on the grounds of the Cathedral which are aimed at supporting biodiversity and expanding circles of solidarity.