Listening with the ear of the heart

Columban Advocacy Coordinator for the United States Region, Cynthia Gonzalez (left), with the Central Justice, Peace and Integrity of Creation Coordinator, Amy Echeverria, at the pre-COP15 Biodiversity gathering in Geneva. - Photo:Amy EcheverriaColumban Advocacy Coordinator for the United States Region, Cynthia Gonzalez (left), with the Central Justice, Peace and Integrity of Creation Coordinator, Amy Echeverria, at the pre-COP15 Biodiversity gathering in Geneva. - Photo:Amy Echeverria

In our times, there is so much information about critical issues impacting on Earth and all peoples. But how do we attend to this in an effective manner? Pope Francis named this year’s message for World Communications Day on January 24, ‘Listening with the ear of the heart.’ The pope said: “listening corresponds to the humble style of God.” In the Gospels, Jesus encourages the disciples to listen well, “Take heed then how you hear (Luke 8:18).” Pope Francis said: “the true seat of listening is the heart” and suggests in these times of turmoil and change we are called as believers “to lend an ear and listen profoundly.” The pope goes further to describe the depth of relationship that can be formed and nourished by listening attentively. He says, “communion is built in mutual listening between brothers and sisters.”

Pope Francis has launched a synodal process for the Church which offers an opportunity to listen deeply to everyone, particularly to those who are suffering most and whose voices are not heard. In his 2015 encyclical, Laudato Si’ - On Care for our Common Home, the pope exhorts all people of goodwill to listen to the cries of both Earth and peoples. These cries are inter-connected; when Earth suffers, people suffer and vice versa. In his encyclical, Pope Francis says, “Everything is connected. Concern for the environment thus needs to be joined to a sincere love for our fellow human beings and an unwavering commitment to resolving the problems of society” (#91).

In his presentation to Australian Catholic Religious leaders in 2021, Columban Fr Kevin O’Neill said: “Mission is caring for creation and a dialogue of life with the poor; with culture; with people of other faith traditions; with secular society. Mission is the work of reconciliation between nations and peoples and healing the wounds of our world. Mission is accomplished in communion.”

Columban missionaries observe first-hand the impacts of the loss of the diversity of life, the devastation of the physical environment and climate change, on communities amongst whom they live and work. The communities most impacted are often those that contribute least to these problems.

In Pakistan, Columban Fr Liam O’Callaghan works from an inter-faith perspective to respond to the cries of Earth and peoples. Fr Liam says Pakistan has always been considered a country rich in a variety of plant and animal species across desert, tropical seasonal forests and some of the highest mountains in the world. “However, this has all been changing. About 90 species of mammals, reptiles and birds are approaching the critical stage of extinction in Pakistan, largely due to over-exploitation and loss of natural habitat.”

Fr Liam says this rapid decline and all its social implications is the context for works of the Columban Justice, Peace and Integrity of Creation (JPIC) team in Pakistan. He says, “the need is enormous.” The members of the Columban JPIC team in Pakistan run community workshops and school programmes with people from Muslim, Hindu and Christian backgrounds. Fr Liam says, “working together to protect ‘our common home’ can quite easily bring people together and help break down misunderstandings.”

Pope Francis says in Laudato Si’, “the history of our friendship with God is always linked to particular places which take on an intensely personal meaning: we all remember places” (#84).

The second part of the United Nations biodiversity summit, known as COP15, is due to take place in Kunming, China, this year. Columban missionaries are actively participating in the lead up to this event, as it relates integrally to mission. An international framework will be agreed upon at COP15 that sets new goals to protect species and habitats.

May 22 is the International Day for Biological Diversity. The United Nations named this day to increase understanding and awareness about the diversity of life. In 2021, the Decade Ecosystem Restoration was launched to scale up efforts worldwide to protect and revive Earth’s diverse life systems. Pope Francis welcomed this announcement with a special message in which he said there is hope in efforts that draw people together towards the development of a more just, social and healthy future for all. For people of faith, Pope Francis says, “this involves establishing harmony within ourselves, with our neighbour, with nature and other living creatures, and with God.” He says, “we are part of this gift of creation. We are part of nature, not separated from it. This is what the Bible tells us.”

There are many ways that people around the world are involved in activities to protect and restore life’s diversity. Healthier life systems create so many benefits for all. St Columbans Mission Society Vicar, Fr Brian Vale, says, “we can start with our strengths.” We can also notice what we are drawn to, and what we care about in our local area and beyond.

Pope Francis says in Laudato Si’, “the history of our friendship with God is always linked to particular places which take on an intensely personal meaning: we all remember places” (#84).

Reflecting on these experiences and paying attention can support us to listen with the ear of the heart to Earth’s songs and Earth’s cries.

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

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