During the Season of Creation there have been many inspiring initiatives in parishes and schools across our Diocese.  Kerry Stone, Sandhurst Caritas/Earthcare Coordinator said, “To see so much action progressing the Laudato Si’ goals in so many of our parishes over the past month has been very inspiring.  Celebrations within the liturgy, beautiful altar displays, art exhibitions, bulletin inserts providing education, gatherings offering discussion of Laudato Si’, community events to clean up rubbish and more…” 

 

You might question if an altar display, or parish picnic can have a significant impact on the climate crisis, for example. But here’s something else for you to question:  Why is it that we have allowed our planet to become so stressed?  Could it be that we simply haven’t noticed, or worse, not even cared until it looks like it might impact our wellbeing or lifestyle?  From behind our screens in our abstract indoor lives, have we any authentic connection to creation?  Have we forgotten its majesty?  Are young children still capable of awe?  

 

Fr Joshtrom Kureethadam, Coordinator of the Sector of Ecology and Creation at the Vatican Dicastery for Promoting Integral Human Development believes changing our attitude to one of awe for Creation is key to caring for our Common Home. Referring to the 2022 Season for Creation theme "Listen to the Voice of Creation” he explains:

 

“ …  to listen to the voice of creation, we must recapture the ability to contemplate the beauty of God’s creation … Creation speaks to us eloquently of the glory of God but we fail to contemplate, to listen. The root cause is probably we don’t have the right attitude. That is the basic perspective we need to recover. Recover creation as a temple … as a holy place.”

 

 So, if an altar display or parish picnic can move us towards wonder and awe for creation, isn’t that pointing us in the right direction?