Laudato Si' Animators at 'Restore Nature Now' event

photo LSM Animators UK

Source: LSM Animators UK

About 20 UK Laudato Si' Animators attended the pre-march ecumenical service at the Catholic Church of Our Lady of the Immaculate Conception in Knightsbridge, on 22nd June. It was led by Fr Dominic Robinson and Revd Helen Bennett, and Andy Atkins from Rocha UK gave the address, in which he spoke about our duty as Christians to care for nature.

Feedback from the Animators showed how much the service was appreciated. Susan Salem and John Woodhouse expressed the general view that it was "wonderful", and all enjoyed meeting up with old and new friends. Martin Jarvis made our lovely banner, as well as the flags which some of us carried.

After the service, we made our way to the faith section of the march at Marble Arch, and walked a 1.6 mile march to Parliament Square, Westminster. It was a beautiful day, with no rain. Up to 100,000 people attended the event, many wearing costumes of insects, birds and animals, and carrying placards. Activities such as face painting were provided before the march started, adding to the festive atmosphere.

The Christian community was well represented and heavily seasoned with a flurry of Laudato Si flags and various banners.

At Parliament Square, Chris Packham hosted the rally. There were poetry readings, performances, and talks by prominent people.

The event gave an opportunity for drawing attention to the Laudato Si' Encyclical. Many other organisations which attended are now more aware of the Encyclical, as are those who watched us go by.

John told us that an Extinction Rebellion cyclist, seeing the Laudato Si' Movement logo, commented to John that he loves Pope Francis. And David Richardson was stopped by a bystander who said he thought that what we were doing was "great", and wanted to know how he could get involved in future events.

You can watch and listen to the Rally Speakers here:

www.youtube.com/watch?v=vqjSaJ9z9WA&t=5607s&ab_channel=RestoreNatureNow

Guardian newspaper photographs of the day:

www.theguardian.com/environment/gallery/2024/jun/22/restore-nature-now-march-in-london-in-pictures