Sharing a passion for justice and the integrity of creation, the Society of St. Columban is partnering other Catholic charities and organisations to host a global prayer vigil for Catholics and people of faith all over the world.
Together we’ll pray and advocate for the success of COP26, the major United Nations summit on climate change taking place from 31st October to 12th November 2021 in Glasgow.
During our live broadcast from 11am on the 5th November to 11am on the 6th November, we’ll hear from communities suffering from climate change, pray for the future of our common home, and write messages that will be delivered to COP26 negotiators.
The vigil will be streamed online from a Glasgow parish with the help of Justice and Peace Scotland, CAFOD, SCIAF, Pax Christi International, Jesuit Missions, Don Bosco Green Alliance and Religious of the Assumption. Video material will be presented from our partners internationally and in the UK, ranging from Eco-Jesuits in the Philippines to the Laudato Si’ Movement in the Philippines, to ‘Climate Dialogues’ produced by SCIAF in Scotland. Live events in the parish will include Mass at 9am on Saturday morning.
Every hour, we’ll broadcast prayer experiences themed around God’s creation and ecological spirituality as well as stories of communities impacted by climate change. These segments will be hosted by different countries from around the world, showcasing their unique cultures, languages, and experiences. A schedule is coming soon.
Our faith calls each of us to hold our nations’ leaders accountable to the needs of God’s creation, marginalized communities, and future generations. At COP26, we need negotiators to agree to stop all fossil fuel extraction by 2040, protect and restore ecosystems, and financially support developing countries as they adapt to climate change.
The vigil will conclude with the team setting off for the climate march in Glasgow for the International Day of Action on the Climate on Saturday 6th November.
On the 24 Hours for the Climate website you can fill out a form to participate in vigil. If your parish, congregation, school, or other Catholic community wants to host a watch party, please fill out the additional section. You are also invited you to share your story about how climate change is impacting your life and the life of your community. Stories are one of the most valuable tools we have for making change. They can help policymakers better understand an issue, motivate them into action, and influence their decision making. Stories will be sent to UN climate negotiators!
Please visit https://www.24hoursfortheclimate.org/
