Laudato Si’ Animators, Catholics from Christian Climate Action and Green Christian, supporters of CAFOD and Justice and Peace members from the Diocese of Leeds and across England held a prayer vigil outside Hinsley Hall for COP27, and for the Catholic Bishops’ Conference of England and Wales.
Describing the vigil as ‘contempl-action’ (contemplation with action), the group had previously sent a letter to each bishop assuring them of prayers and asking them to speak out to the UK Government about compensation and reparations owed to countries least responsible for causing the climate crisis, but which are already suffering most from its impact, as highlighted by Cardinal Ambongo and the Catholic Bishops in Africa: https://www.aciafrica.org/news/6870/climate-change-is-structural-sin-bishops-in-africa-say-demand-world-leaders-action
In addition, the group’s letter had asked the Bishops of England and Wales to help raise the profile of the interlinked dual crises of ‘the cry of the earth and the cry of the poor’ by means of a pastoral letter. The bishops were also asked to encourage the showing of The Letter: a film recently released by the Laudato Si’ Movement in partnership with the Vatican’s Dicastery responsible for communicating Integral Human Development.
Bishop John Arnold is the CBCEW’s spokesman for the Environment and he and other bishops who were able to take time out of their busy schedule of meetings came to pray with the group, which was much appreciated by those holding the vigil.
Holding a banner proclaiming ‘Loss and Damage is a Pro-Life Issue’, the group prayed for vital global financial assistance for the poorest and most vulnerable countries affected by climate change. Artist and Laudato Si’ Animator Helen Elwes had also brought her painted banner ‘Mother of Mercy’, which depicts Our Lady sheltering praying figures and endangered species beneath her mantle, against a back-drop of burning rain forest – a picture of the icon may be viewed here: https://www.facebook.com/motherofmercypaintedbannerbyhelenelwes/
Some of the prayer cards bearing the ‘Mother of Mercy’ image may still be available at Hinsley Hall reception. The prayer on the reverse is by Pope Francis:
All-powerful God, you are present in the whole universe and in the smallest of your creatures. You embrace with your tenderness all that exists.
Pour out upon us the power of your love, that we may protect life and beauty.
Fill us with peace, that we may live as brothers and sisters, harming no-ne.
O God of the poor, help us to rescue the abandoned and forgotten of this earth, so precious in your eyes.
Bring healing to our lives, that we may protect the world and not prey on it, that we may sow beauty, not pollution and destruction.
Touch the hearts of those who look only for gain at the expense of the poor and the earth.
Teach us to discover the worth of each thing, to be filled with awe and contemplation, to recognise that we are profoundly united with every creature as we journey towards your infinite light.
We thank you for being with us each day. Encourage us, we pray, in our struggle for justice, love and peace.
Amen.
