The parish of St. Joseph’s (SMA), Wilton, Cork was recognized as an Eco Congregation in 2018. Since that time, they have honoured the privilege and they wish to share with the wider world some of the efforts they have undertaken since that time.
They have constructed a lovely biodiversity garden in the church grounds and with the assistance of our parish videographer they wish to share a short video of the garden –
Video Link: https://youtu.be/8nX_HvLDR1A
In the last few years, they have hosted and organized an International Family Day consisting of the various nationalities associated with their parish. It includes the Indian, Filipino, Ukrainian, Eritrean, Polish and Irish communities. Video Link: https://youtu.be/nl4Wwcb-JEw
In response to the plight of the people of Gaza, they held a raffle and people made financial donations. In the end, the proceeds of €8,000 were raised and given to Trócaire to assist in their work in Gaza.
They created a Sacred Space in the church for parishioners to highlight the Season of Creation.
The Wilton Justice Group conducted a prayer service in the grounds of the church to mark the Season of Creation. Video Link: https://youtu.be/f2d5cYg1qnk
Fr. Diarmuid O’Murchú was invited by the Justice Group to give a talk on Eco Spirituality in the parish.
In the SMA Garden, volunteers maintained and grew various shrubs and plants in what is now fondly known as Fr. Tom’s Garden. Fr. Tom was the inspiration for the creation of the garden. May he rest in peace. From the proceeds of the garden, fruits and vegetables were used to make jams and chutneys. Various varieties were produced and proceeds for the sale of these was put to good use. Video Link: https://youtu.be/dRMtjryRZm8
To celebrate National Biodiversity Week 2024, The SMA Folklore Project’s exhibition “Care For Our Home: Embracing Biodiversity” went on display in the SMA Parish Centre. The exhibition showcased tips and tricks on how to embrace biodiversity in your day to day life.
In October 2024, the parish hosted a Trócaire exhibition highlighting their concerns about climate change. As part of the display, Trócaire brought over a young climate justice advocate from Rwanda, Ineza, who came to the centre and shared her hopes and concerns about climate change and how it affects her life in Rwanda.
Click on the link below to view a video of Ineza as she talks with local school children and parishioners. Video Link: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=1NUSRYQqa30
They are happy to share some of the efforts they have made in their parish in order to show that they are trying to keep the spirit alive and the challenge of having their parish be identified as an Eco Congregation.
