Plastics Free July - Darcy's Prayer

Help us to use less single-use plastic, practice sustainable habits and care for the earth and its creatures - Photo:bigstock.comHelp us to use less single-use plastic, practice sustainable habits and care for the earth and its creatures - Photo:bigstock.com

Throughout July, people worldwide have raised their ambition to limit single-use plastic in their daily lives.  Ellen Teague, who runs the media desk of Justice, Peace and Integrity of Creation for the Columban Missionary Society in Britain, says, ‘Over the last century, plastic has become part of everyday life.  From bottles and bags to plastic pots, tubs and trays – our lives are full of it.  Plastic is an amazing material, but it is not designed for single-use.’  

Our commitments to care for the environment are strengthened by a transformation in how we see, think about, and relate to God’s creation.  In an interview with La Croix International on July 17th, Sr Sylvie Mériaux, an apostolic sister with Missionary Sisters of the Countryside, states: ‘The first to marvel at creation is God.  The first Genesis account tells us: God saw that it was good.’  Sr Sylvie also states: ‘We find a form of wonder in front of creation, but I do not think that it is enough to protect it.  We are once again invited to become the image of God, to look at nature with the same eyes that see life and gratuity.’  Sr Sylvie says this involves ‘observing nature and listening to it, in order to learn from it, how it works.’  Sr Sylvie says this deeper level of observation helps our commitments to support the restoration and healing of creation.  She says as Christians, we are invited to continue to discern the question ‘What consequences will my choices have?’ 

Fill us with love for the nature around us and gratitude for what we are so lucky to have.

Young people often lead the way in the deep appreciation and concern for God’s creation and their hope-filled responses.  They help educate adults and need our ongoing support.  A Year 7 student at Iona Presentation College in Perth prays: 

‘Dear God, We thank You for the beauty of the earth and all its natural wonders….Give us strength to help us to strive for a cleaner, more sustainable and healthier world.  Help us to use less single-use plastic, practice sustainable habits and restore the earth which we have misused.  Fill us with love for the nature around us and gratitude for what we are so lucky to have. Amen.’

Sr Caroline Vaitkunas RSM is a team member of the Columban Peace, Ecology & Justice office in Australia.

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