"On our Christian pilgrimage, we must protect the pilgrim route for those who follow us"

Sr Margaret Atkins OSA was the keynote speaker

A summary, by Sister Mary Agnes, of a Lenten day of reflection on Laudato Si’ :

Bishop John Arnold giving the opening prayer

Bishop John Arnold welcomed the 30 Religious from Birmingham, Nottingham, Manchester, Cumbria, Leeds and elsewhere who gathered at Salford Cathedral Centre. He led the opening prayer, thanking God for all the efforts that have been made in the diocese to try to respond to climate change and encouraging us to be connected to our neighbours,  nature and the planet in integral ecology. Bishop Arnold mentioned all the wonderful work that has been achieved in the schools by young people who seek ways to care for nature and our common home.

Sister Margaret Atkins OSA, a member of the Boarbank community and an experienced speaker, teacher and writer with a particular interest in the connections between faith and ecology,  gave three talks which were appreciated by everyone; they permitted us to get a clear understanding of the encyclical letter Laudato Si’. There were times for reflection and discussions in groups which enabled us to share our ideas and experiences with each other. 

Sr Margaret Atkins OSA

As Religious we need to ask ourselves if we live simply, and can others see this? Do we practice asceticism, love our neighbour, care for the poor?  Do we listen to the cry of the earth and the cry of the poor?  In what way? Our way of life should witness to “less rather than more”-  this is a call to moderation. We can ask ourselves how do we live this aspect of our vocation?

Pope Francis reminds us to have a responsibility for each other and that every gesture of care for our environment, however small, is of significance. The need for “ecological conversion” is required whereby the effects of our encounter with Jesus Christ becomes evident in our relationships with the world around us. Living our vocation to be protectors of God’s handiwork is essential to a life of virtue: it is not an optional or secondary aspect of our Christian experience.  (217)   Laudato SI’. (2015).

We all know that change is impossible without motivation and a process of education (15). Everything becomes easier when started with a contemplative outlook that comes from faith.  We can ask ourselves: “have we lived in communion with God and others, with creatures and with nature”?

Steve Burrowes of Laudato Si Centre

Steve Burrowes is responsible for the Laudato Si’ Centre at Wardley Hall, the home of the Bishop of Salford. Steve has long experience working for CAFOD and teaching.  He gave a power point presentation of Wardley Hall,  showing us pictures of the gardens and buildings where the Laudato SI’ centre is situated; he invited us to come and visit the centre to appreciate the positive aspects of ecology. The centre seeks to respond to the challenges of Pope Francis’ Encyclical on the environment and human ecology by creating a space of practical action to care for our common home, which will help to leave a sustainable world for the future. 

Demonstrating an award-winning box to help protect birds and bats

The centre is inspired by faith rooted in prayer and gives a sense of the Sacred for people of all faiths and none. He hopes to create an environment that is safe and caring for the planet. Environmental issues have consequences for us all, especially the poor.

Steve was happy to share with us his experience of  how he helped young people to be interested in ecology; we watched and listened to a video of young people singing and sharing their joy and enthusiasm because they were involved in the practical side of ecology.  Steve encouraged us to seek new ways to be positive and creative.

There was an interesting sharing among all the Religious present;  we discussed what are the opportunities for ecology as well as obstacles and made suggestions saying how we could improve our knowledge of ecology and implement the changes required to follow a more simple and moderate style of religious life.

We were pleased to share a meal together and decided that another meeting would be planned for the near future to see if we had made any real changes in our lives to be more ecologically minded and attentive to the poor.  We may visit the Laudato Si’ centre as a group in the early summer.  Our new motto is: “Stop agonising and start organising!”

 Sister Mary Agnes, Little Sister of the Poor, Manchester.