Earth Day was celebrated by the Columban Missionaries today in Dalgan beginning with prayers at Mass.
Fr John Leydon, who for many years worked in the Philippines, prayed that we may be more sensitive to the cry of the Earth.
Later this morning Columbans transplanted native oak saplings which have begun to sprout up over the past few weeks, having grown from acorns collected last Autumn.
This is part of the Columbans’ commitment to care for the earth and contribute to the planting of native trees in our woodlands in Dalgan, which will be there for all to cherish in many years to come.
Dalgan’s native oak saplings which have begun to sprout up over the past few weeks, having grown from acorns collected last Autumn. All photos: ColumbanMissionImages
Dalgan’s woodlands are cherished by the many walkers who avail of this wonderful landscape on a daily basis.
Earth Day is marked annually on 22nd April to support care for the Earth and highlight the need for environmental protection. It was first held on 22nd April 1970.
Bluebells thrive in Dalgan’s woodlands. Images: ColumbanMissionImages
The planet is losing 10 million hectares of forests every year – an area larger than Iceland.
According to the UN, “a healthy ecosystem helps to protect us from diseases. Biological diversity makes it difficult for pathogens to spread rapidly.”
A message from the UN:
“Mother Earth is clearly urging a call to action. Nature is suffering. Oceans filling with plastic and turning more acidic. Extreme heat, wildfires and floods, have affected millions of people.
Climate change, man-made changes to nature as well as crimes that disrupt biodiversity, such as deforestation, land-use change, intensified agriculture and livestock production or the growing illegal wildlife trade, can accelerate the speed of destruction of the planet.
Last Autumn we planted these acorns!
That is why we need to recover our ecosystems. Ecosystems support all life on Earth. The healthier our ecosystems are, the healthier the planet – and its people. Restoring our damaged ecosystems will help to end poverty, combat climate change and prevent mass extinction. But we will only succeed if everyone plays a part.
For this International Mother Earth Day, let’s remind ourselves – more than ever – that we need a shift to a more sustainable economy that works for both people and the planet. Let’s promote harmony with nature and the Earth. Join the global movement to restore our world!”
For more information: https://www.un.org/en/observances/earth-day
New life this Spring!