Churches set seeds of ‘Hope’

The Roman Catholic and Church of Ireland communities of Cavan came together in a prayer ritual as Bishop Martin Hayes and Canon Mark Lidwell facilitated the planting of crocus bulbs on the front lawn of the Cathedral of Ss Patrick & Felim last weekend.

The crocus bulbs, they say, will in time, with the advent of Spring, emerge to flower in a pattern to denote the word ‘HOPE’.

The purpose of planting crocus bulbs was to celebrate the Season of Creation, September 1 until October 4; the Feast of St Francis, the patron of ecology.

The prayer ritual led jointly by Canon Mark and Bishop Martin also highlighted the concern about the harmful effects of global warming on our planet, and how the poor in the developing world are most affected due to the destruction of agricultural crops.

The original idea for planting the crocus bulbs to denote the word ‘HOPE’ emerged at a meeting of the Diocesan Kilmore Care of Creation group who have over the past year been active in developing connections with like-minded and interfaith groups.

To date they have engaged in various projects, including: A garden bed makeover at St Clare’s Convent Chapel, litter clean ups, organised educational talks, tree planting on church grounds, being active in local media and preparing lists of practical and useful tips on how to live sustainably.