As a Reality we are conscious of the global Ecological Crisis that we find ourselves in today, a crisis that is a threat to the human family and to all of life on earth.

When we view this crisis through the lens of integral ecology, we begin to see that everything is deeply interconnected. We are faced with a crisis which is both human and environmental.

The cry of the earth and the cry of the poor are the same cry, everything is interconnected.

In our annual Assembly 2023 we chose the following as Theme for Day 2 : INTERCONNECTEDNESS

Our day began with a prayer based on the theme of the season of creation : LET JUSTICE AND PEACE FLOW.

A series of pictures depicting the cry of the earth and the cry of the poor were distributed and we were invited to share what the picture evoked in us, a powerful exercise allowing us to feel the cries that go up to God.

SUGGESTIONS FOR INTEGRAL ECOLOGY ACTION PLAN

After this powerful presentation the sisters were asked for : What can I commit to ? What can we commit to ?

Some responses were :

• ADeepen our understanding of integral ecology

• Decisions not to waste at any level

• Personal commitment to recycling and using the correct recycling bags/boxes

• Be more conscious and take care of water usage.

• Use of electricity, in general turn off all electrical goods overnight

• Shop ethically – local market, Fairtrade, buy products without wrappings, in general avoid plastics and be more aware of what plastic pollution is doing to human and animal life.

• Declutter what I do not need, giving to charity unused clothes in my wardrobe, culture of necessity, not want, living simply, sharing what I have, awareness of the needs of the poor.

• Be part of a Laudato Si group, think more about our planet and those who are being affected most, keep the environment as clean as possible.

• Develop more reverence for the Mystery of life in us and around us – link between contemplation, adoration and silence.

Many more suggestions were given and while much of what was suggested already formed part of what we were living, it was felt that committing ourselves in the context of the day gave more weight to our decisions and also, we can challenge each other in the days ahead.

We had hoped to continue our day outdoors with a Prayer of Creation , but weather prevented that, so our tree planting ritual took place the following day.

And today :

Some new shoots are visible and not just on the tree we planted… We continue to commit ourselves to making more effort to recycle, to save energy, to avoid waste, to share with those in need, to keep each other up to date with what is happening around us and worldwide, to make changes in our community lifestyle where and when necessary…

One very positive action in a community was to declutter and share clothes, for example to give donations to a Centre that cares for Asylum seekers and others in need.

Closing Prayer

We asked God to bless us with joy and hope, as we care for His creation, taking only what we need, giving back to the earth in gratitude, honouring all with reverence, reconciling and healing, mindful of those who come after us, and of the poor today, recognising our proper place as part of, not apart from, His creation.

Stella Maris Garden where we planted our tree, a small deciduous tree with good foliage, flowers in spring and fruits in summer. Ideal for attracting wildlife as it produces small red fruits in the autumn.