The Columban Missionaries in Britain, with our Headquarters in Solihull, West Midlands, will host a special rewilding event on Monday the 30th September, as part of the ongoing Season of Creation celebration. The event, aimed at bringing together local educators, students, environmentalists and members of the community, will feature a range of eco-focused activities designed to promote biodiversity and sustainability, a core value of Columban Mission.
Representatives from A Rocha UK, a Christian charity working to protect and restore the natural world will also be attending the event and the Columbans will officially join their rewilding network ‘Partners in Action’.
The day will begin at 9:30 AM with a session for teachers and educators led by James Trewby, Columban Justice, Peace and Ecology Co-ordinator focusing on the Columban’s Tree Growing Project taking place in the Philippines. From 10:30 AM, the wider group, including students from St. Peter’s School in Solihull members of Solihull Tree Wardens and an ecologist from the local council, will join for a talk by Columban Director in Britain Fr. John Boles. This talk will explore the links between faith and environmental stewardship and will be followed by a liturgical service led by Fr. Bernie McDermott, Columban Vice Director in Britain.
After lunch, participants will have the opportunity to engage in a number of different activities which include building swift boxes, participating in a nature walk with an ecologist and a bee conservation talk. There will be time for prayer and the day will conclude with a special blessing.
Caring for creation is integral to Columban mission. Rooted in Catholic social teaching, the Columbans in Britain believe that addressing the ‘cry of the Earth’ is a moral responsibility, especially as environmental degradation disproportionately affects the world’s poorest communities. Inspired by Pope Francis’ Laudato Si’, they see protecting the planet as an act of justice, solidarity, and respect for future generations, emphasising that all creation is interconnected and must be safeguarded for the common good. This rewilding event aims to inspire participants to take action in their local communities, fostering a deeper connection to nature.
For more information, please contact Emma Darling, Communications Officer for the Columbans in Britain, who can be reached on emmadarling@columbans.co.uk.
