On 25 January last, as the effects of Storm Eowyn swept across the country, 140 participants from the dioceses of Killaloe, Cashel & Emly, Kerry, and Limerick – and beyond – gathered at Springfort Hall Hotel in Mallow, Co Cork, to reflect on the urgent call to restore biodiversity in parishes and become seeds of hope in the fight against the biodiversity crisis we face today.
Bishop Martin Hayes of Kilmore, and the Irish Catholic Bishops’ Conference Laudato Si’ coordinator, addressed delegates about the biodiversity crisis; he highlighted how over 50% of wildlife has been lost since the 1970s, and reminded everyone how humanity is just one species in an array of created species. Quoting Pope Francis from his 2015 Encyclical Letter Laudato Si’, Bishop Hayes emphasised that the loss of various species affects us all. He also shared the Irish bishops’ 2023 initiative that calls for 30% of church grounds to be returned to nature by 2030, and stressed how each parish can make a huge difference to biodiversity in Ireland by taking small steps to encourage wildlife and restore habitats for endangered species.
Barry O’Loughlin, the biodiversity officer for Co Clare, announced a partnership with ten parishes to spearhead biodiversity initiatives in and around church grounds within the Diocese of Killaloe. He highlighted collaborative efforts with local environmental groups, which include installing bird boxes to support threatened species such as barn owls and swifts, planting native fruit trees that attract pollinators, creating wildflower meadows in designated areas, and undertaking numerous other conservation activities.
Sinead Geary from Killorglin Parish, Co Kerry, shared the uplifting story of the parish garden’s development, highlighting the diverse array of thriving plant species and its role as a cherished space for various activities, liturgical events, and quiet reflection. She also emphasised how the involvement of young people highlights the garden’s unique ability to foster inter-generational and cross-community connections, making it a vibrant and inclusive hub at the heart of the parish.
The afternoon featured a variety of engaging workshops, including two sessions on eco-spirituality. One outdoor workshop focused on surveying existing features on church grounds that support biodiversity, along with practical suggestions for simple changes to encourage species to thrive. Eco-Congregation Ireland led a session on the parish awards scheme, which guides communities through a step-by-step journey toward ecological engagement. Additionally, Mr O’Loughlin offered an in-depth workshop on restoring biodiversity to parishes in Co Clare.
With a marketplace of support highlighting diverse groups and communities addressing climate challenges, attendees found countless sources of inspiration. Many parishes and partnerships left feeling uplifted, often describing the day with words like ‘inspired’ and ‘hope through action.’ Participants were motivated to return to their parish communities, foster local biodiversity, and integrate care for creation into visible aspects of liturgical celebrations.
Laudato Si’ is a bestselling encyclical letter of Pope Francis, which expresses Church teaching on care for our common home in an accessible way to all people of all ages, and that, reminds each of us that we collectively hold a responsibility to be guardians of creation in the interest of future generations of humanity.
ENDS
