Among the many tributes paid to our retired Pope, Benedict XVI, have been those that highlighted his interest in ecological issues.
The Vatican made headlines a few years ago by installing photo-voltaic cells to power the running of several buildings with solar energy (see above). Benedict also mentioned that need to respect God's creation on several occasions. Some commentators suggested that he was the closest we have had to a "Green Pope".
All of this came to mind at the weekend as I attended a very informative and challenging workshop on eco-spirituality with twenty other Presentation Brothers. At an international gathering of our Brothers in 2011 we were called to live a lifestyle that is relevant and meaningful to the needs of people and the planet in the 21st century. Our attention was also focused on a spirituality of being in communion with God and his Creation.
At the weekend we explored what this means. We learned that this week is ‘Tree Week’ from March 3rd to March 9th. Trees are a beautiful and essential part of life on our planet. They are an important part of life on the planet.
The experience at the weekend reminded me again of the diversity that exists in religious life today. One week I'm at a prolife vigil defending the dignity of every human life, another week I'm at a conference on canon law and then I find myself at a seminar on ecology. Balance in our spirituality is important. On that note, if anyone wants to chat with me about a religious vocation, I'm always available at vocation@PresentationBrothers.org
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