Columbans join A Rocha Network and host Rewilding event

Felicite Dodd and Fr John Boles with the plaque

The Columban Missionaries in Britain, whose headquarters are in Solihull, West Midlands, hosted a special rewilding event on Monday 30 September, as part of their ongoing Season of Creation 2024 celebration. The event - aimed at bringing together local educators, students, environmentalists and members of the community - included a range of eco-focused activities designed to promote biodiversity, sustainability and care of Creation. These are all core values of Columban Mission.

Representatives from A Rocha UK attended the event and the highlight of the day was the Columbans officially joining their rewilding network 'Partners in Action'.

A Rocha is a Christian conservation organisation that works to protect and restore the natural environment through community-based projects focused on biodiversity, education, and sustainable living. Founded in 1983, A Rocha integrates faith and environmental action, encouraging communities to care for God's creation. Their 'Partners in Action' scheme is a network of organisations and groups committed to conserving and enhancing the biodiversity of their land, supporting the recovery of declining species and habitats, and promoting sustainability.

The day began with a session for teachers and educators led by James Trewby, Columban Justice, Peace and Ecology Co-ordinator, focusing on the Columban Tree Growing Project in the Philippines. After this, the wider group, including students from St. Peter's School in Solihull, members of Solihull Tree Wardens and Natalie Walker, ecologist from the local council, gathered for an ecological talk by Columban Director in Britain, Fr John Boles. Together they explored environmental stewardship and what it means to care for God's Creation. The Columbans were officially welcomed by A Rocha as a 'Partner in Action' and Fr Boles was presented with a plaque by a representative of A Rocha, Felicite Dodd. Following this, Fr Bernie McDermott, Columban Vice Director in Britain led a beautiful liturgy which included time for prayer and reflection.

After lunch, participants had the opportunity to engage in various activities. Besides the chance to build swift boxes, they could join local ecologist, Natalie, on a nature walk, exploring the importance of biodiversity and how it supports the whole intricate tangle of the natural ecosystem. Sheila Vanhouse led an enlightening talk on the bees she keeps in the Columban garden, explaining the role of bees in the pollination of flowering plants, essential for food production.

Sheltering from rain, visitors could engage in campaigning activities, either writing to their local MPs asking them to support the Climate and Nature Bill or preparing a letter of solidarity to send to people affected by the climate crisis whom the Columban Missionaries are proud to accompany.

The day concluded with a blessing from Fr Boles in Spanish, involving a jug of water and a branch of evergreen tree from the garden! He drew upon his time on mission in Peru, explaining that water remains a potent symbol of life in many of the Andean countries and that it is common for celebrations or liturgies to end with a water blessing.

Caring for creation is at the heart of Columban mission, deeply intertwined with a commitment to justice and solidarity. Rooted in Catholic Social Teaching, the Columbans in Britain recognise the 'Cry of the Earth' as a profound moral responsibility. Inspired by Pope Francis' encyclical Laudato Si', they emphasise that protecting the planet is a sacred duty to ensure a sustainable future for all life.

This rewilding event invited participants to join in Columban mission by reconnecting with nature through practical action. It is hoped that the event inspired individuals to take personal responsibility for nurturing their local environments, understanding that small, community-driven efforts contribute to the global movement to heal our world.

LINKS

Columbans: https://columbans.co.uk/

Facebook - The Columban Justice, Peace and Ecology Group: www.facebook.com/groups/8016776208445539

Emma Darling is the Communications Officer of the Columbans in Britain.