Linking Ecology and Religion

Columban Missionaries from around the globe, where we work, together with Irish post-graduate university students, participated in an intensive sensory, intellectual and spiritual immersive program in the Burren National Park, West of Ireland, in 2013. Well known Irish Environmental Scientist, Dr John Feehan and Fr Sean McDonagh (Columban Missionary priest, Writer and Environmental Advocate) led the program.

Participants explored the relationship between religion and ecology by:

  • Walking the landscape
  • Observing the geology, archaeology, biology and agriculture
  • Studying samples of flora and fauna
  • Listening to stories
  • Sharing prayer and celebration

Video series

This 10-part video series of reflections looks at the link between Ecology and Religion and features participants from the week-long immersion program in the Burren National Park:

  • Part 1: The Burren National Park - Introduction
  • Part 2: David Shreeve, Church of England
  • Part 3: Donal Leader, Irish Christian Brother
  • Part 4: Jung Kyu-Lee, Astronomer
  • Part 5: Karl Gaspar, Southern Philippines
  • Part 6: Neil Shanahan, Teacher, Ireland
  • Part 7: Aoife Lalor, MA Student
  • Part 8: Tracey Horan, Texas, USA
  • Part 9: Aqif Shizad, Pakistan
  • Part 10: Cathriona Russell, All Hallows College, Dublin

Related Links

Faith Ecology Network (FEN) is an interfaith network of people connecting faith with ecological awareness and care.

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