On 8 September 2019, at a missioning ritual in the chapel in Glasnevin, the Holy Faith Sisters were presented with the Eco-Congregation Ireland award by Sr. Catherine Brennan SSL. As a region of the Holy Faith Congregation the sisters had been intensifing their efforts over the past few years to be more mindful of caring for the environment in their daily lives. Catherine spoke of the astonishing energy, enthusiasm and knowledge demonstrated by the committee members. “Their desire to make a difference is matched by their numerous actions”. In particular, she commented on their eoc-spirituality as exemplified in two books of collected prayers and reflections, with creation themes, put together by the sisters.
She also noted that many of the sisters were involved in the day to day commitment to good environmental practice, as reflected in their report. One community received a certificate from City Bin as one of the top ten recyclers. The comprehensive guide “Taking Steps to Care for Our Common Home” is another highlight as it offers a range of simple steps anyone can take to safeguard the planet. Sisters have also initiated and supported efforts to take care of God’s creation in three parishes where they live. Those sisters who are able were also involved in the biodiversity garden with its half-acre wildflower meadow on the site of the Margaret Aylward Centre. The centre itself uses an eco-friendly source of energy and has a beautiful green roof.
The plaque is a small wooden oval which is carved by members of Eco- Congregations Scotland from recycled church benches. So the piece of wood has a long history from the time it first grew in a forest in Scotland until it arrived in the chapel in Glasnevin!
