Ecology and Care of the Earth
"Our spirituality is informed by the reality of God's presence in all of creation. We seek to be more responsible for the care of the earth by implementing best ecological practice in our everyday living."
- 2005 Chapter Vision Statement
Lent 2010 Resources:
A Carbon Fast for Lent: Download this pdf of a Lenten calendar which draws attention to issues surrounding ecological sustainability.
Glór na hAbhann
Since 2002, Brother John Hunt has been the Director of the "Glór na hAbhann" Ecology and Spirituality Centre, located in the beautiful rural area of Helvic in West Waterford.
Visitors are warmly welcome to Glór na hAbhann. During a stay at "Glór na hAbhann" one will have time and space to experience community; to celebrate seasonal and liturgical occasions; to participate in workshops; to follow a retreat programme; or just to rest, relax and be alone to enjoy our grounds, garden and surrounding countryside.
It is a place of welcome where people are facilitated to explore and pursue their spiritual journeys in an ecologically friendly environment.
Contact Details:
Brother John Hunt,
"Glór na hAbhann"
Ballinamona Lower,
Old Parish,
Dungarvan,
Co. Waterford.
Tel: 058-46904
Email: huntjohnp@yahoo.com
Directions: Glór na hAbhann is located in Old Parish in the Ring Gaeltacht of County Waterford. It is approximately one hour's driving time from Cork city and 45 minutes from Waterford city.
The basic message of Glór na hAbhann is "Come and Be".
- Be Alive
- Be oneself
- Be alone
- with nature
- with one's God
- with oneself
- Be in communion
- with nature
- with life in its many forms
- with God
- with others
- Be natural
- no need for masks
- no need to impress
- no need to role play
Brother Michael McKeown (right) and Brother John Hunt (left) in the garden at Glór na hAbhann.
- Be in contact
- with the soil
- with the weather
- with the sights and sounds of nature
- with peace and quiet
- Be active
- by walking
- by painting
- by gardening
- by arts and crafts
- by music and song
- by photography
- Be participative
- in prayer
- in discussion
- in cooking
- in housekeeping
- in celebration
If you are interested in visiting "Glór na hAbhann" please contact Brother John in advance.
Pope Benedict XVI calls on youth to care for the Earth in Loreto, Italy - September 2007
"One of the fields in which it is urgent to work is most definitely that of safeguarding creation. The new generations are responsible for the future of the planet, which shows evident signs of a development that has not always known to preserve the delicate balances of nature. Before it is too late, we must make courageous choices with a view to a strong alliance between man and the earth.
We need a decisive Yes to safeguarding creation and a strong commitment to reverse those tendencies which risk bringing us to a situation of irreversible (environmental) degradation. That is why I appreciate the initiative of the Italian Church to promote greater sensitivity to the problems of protecting the environment by designating a national day for this purpose on September the first.
This year, attention is directed towards water, a most precious asset which, unless it is shared in a just and peaceful way, will become a cause for tensions and bitter conflicts. "
