Columban missionaries Britain vigil for climate

Tasmanian cold temperate rainforest including Huon Pines that are thousands of years old - Photo Caroline Vaitkunas RSM

Christians join together in a meaningful stance to mark the start of Lent by praying for the good of people and all creation.

Columban missionaries in Britain are taking part in an Ash Wednesday climate vigil and peace witness with a coalition of Christians. The 10-day, 24-hour 'No-faith in fossil fuels' vigil begins at St John's Church Waterloo on February 14^th, before people make their way outside Westminster Parliament to pray for just and bold climate action. Themes for prayers and worship will be lament, longing and love, reports Ellen Teague.[1] Columban missionaries in Britain will take part in the Ash Wednesday vigil and lead prayers on Wednesday 21^st February.

Lent is a time when Christians focus on the work of God's grace and invitation to happiness and fullness of life. Columban missionary Fr Charles Rue says, "During Lent Christians around the globe ask themselves: What is God asking of me this year? The Scripture for Lent and Easter is set, but it arose out of social or ecological realities – hunger, slavery, and liberation. Scriptural stories capture how, led by God, believers responded to the realities of life on Earth. In our Lenten prayer, we benefit from naming current social and ecological realities.”[2]

Here in Australia, where we are gifted with unique biodiversity that is admired by people everywhere. Australia is home to half of the world's marsupial species and eighty-five per cent of Australia's plant species are found nowhere else in the world.[3] Yet native plants and animals are found to be in a poor or very poor state of health and declining due to climate change, invasive species and land-use changes. Humans too are suffering from the impacts of climate change, ecological loss and rapid social changes. Arising to meet these challenges many people are reported to act for nature and the community in the state of Victoria.[4] As we grow in awareness and remain curious to learn, we can equip ourselves to make a difference. Works of advocacy, direct restoration work, acting as citizen scientists, making artwork, and telling stories about the places we love and local successes are among many ways to get involved.

Yellow foot rock wallaby conservation status vulnerable - Photo Anne Foale RSM & Victoria grasslands conservation status critically endangered - Photo Caroline Vaitkunas RSM 

Here we acknowledge Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples, the Traditional Custodians of Australia and pay our respects to their Elders past and present, and emerging young leaders. Embedded in sacred trust, through their laws and customs and a vast understanding of natural systems, Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples have cared for Country for millennia. Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples lead management practices to restore land and waterways to heal Country and their communities. Whilst working in various partnerships, Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islanders want to share their knowledge and practical expertise with many others. 

Reflecting on current realities, the concerns and prayers of the Columban Peace, Ecology and Justice Office in Australia join the Lenten public witness in Britain. Amid many painful and overwhelming realities about the harms brought to bear on all of life, we pray that Christians be renewed in God’s mercy this Lent to further direct our love and commitment to be restorers of life in respectful and inclusive communities of practice. God of mercy hear our prayer.

Sr Caroline Vaitkunas RSM
Peace, Ecology and Justice Office
Columban Mission Centre Essendon