“Our generation has bequeathed much wealth, but we have failed to protect the planet and we are not safeguarding peace. We are called to become artisans and guardians of our common home, the Earth which is “falling into ruin”. -Pope Francis message on Earth Day
In response to the call of becoming a steward of our common home, the FCJ Christian Life Centre held its Earth Day celebration last April 26, 2024 to raise awareness of the climate crisis.
Sr Ger Curran fcJ also shared the green initiatives of the Centre. The FCJ Centre has been using wooden stir sticks for two years now and we are striving to use less paper. We have also hosted two screenings of "The Letters" film and have transitioned most of the lights to motion sensor-operated ones, to name just a few of our initiatives.
The attendees engaged in a series of reflective activities and exercises to deepen their knowledge and understanding about how a single act (use of plastic) can lead into a rippling effect that could possibly harm the Earth and compromise the future generation. The event also focused on the global theme for this year Planet vs Plastic. Whitney Nagasan, Director of the FCJ Centre, organized this event for young adults and pushed for the awareness and consciousness of the negative use of plastics. One attendee also shared about the fast fashion that is also one of the problems these days with climate change.
According to Earth.org, fashion production comprises 10% of total global carbon emissions. It dries up water sources and pollutes rivers and streams, while 85% of all textiles go to dumps each year. Even washing clothes releases 500,000 tons of microfibers into the ocean each year, the equivalent of 50 billion plastic bottles.
The event also facilitated a meaningful connection with nature for attendees, encouraging them to reflect on their day-to-day practices in environmental stewardship through an Ecological Examen in the FCJ Labyrinth grounds. This Examen also highlighted the impact of climate change on our less fortunate and vulnerable community members. The event concluded with a group sharing session, during which some attendees shared their own contributions to protecting our planet and expressed their thoughts and ideas for how we can be more intentional in creating a greener and more livable environment.
Remembering what Mother Teresa once said, “I alone cannot change the world, but I can cast a stone across waters to create many ripples.” #