Focus on fragile creation
News
As South Australian Catholics celebrate the Season of Creation this month, a priority for prayers and action will be the devastating impact of the algal bloom outbreak.
The thousands of dead fish and other marine life washing up on the State’s shores has reinforced the message of Pope Francis in Laudato Si’ that “we are co-creatures and part of all that God has made”.
Candlelight vigils have been held at some beaches, including Brighton where McAuley Community School Year 6 eco leader Sheridan Millhouse-Shapter addressed the large gathering.
Year 5 student Isaac Gray also attended the vigil as a member of the school’s ecology group, as did members of the Emmaus, Mount Barker, Holy Family and Brighton Catholic Earthcare and ecology groups.
Sheridan said being at the beach and enjoying the ocean was one of her favourite pastimes.
“That’s why it’s really upsetting to see sea creatures washing up on the shore – they don’t deserve that,” she told the gathering at the Brighton Jetty.
“Sometimes I wonder what it will be like when I grow up, if nothing changes. If algae blooms keep spreading, our beaches, sea life and even our health could be at risk.
“I really hope the algae clears up soon, so everyone can enjoy the beach again – the way it’s meant to be.”
In the 10th anniversary year of the trailblazing encyclical Laudato Si’, Archbishop Patrick O’Regan will celebrate a Season of Creation outdoor Mass at Stockade Botanical Park on September 6.
Monica Conway, a member of the Archdiocese’s Council for Integral Ecology, said the Mass would include prayers for the marine life and coastal communities affected by the algal bloom.
Other local Season of Creation activities include a guided tour of the Seacliff Dunes on September 13 organised by the Brighton parish Ecology Group.
Monica said the loss of the sand dune ecosystem at suburban beaches was just one example of the impact human activity on creation and the need to live in harmony with the natural environment.
Before European settlement in the mid-1800s, there were extensive sand dune systems that spanned the coast from south of Kingston Park to north of Outer Harbor, including Seacliff. The sand dunes extended for 30 km, were 20m high and travelled as far as 300m inland.
Development over time has removed much of these dune systems which naturally provided replenishments of sand and this has caused significant disturbance and damage to the ecosystem.
The guided tour will begin at Angus Neill Reserve at Seacliff, where Sam Buxton Stewart, Greening Officer, City of Holdfast Bay, will take the group south along the coast to reflect on and learn about the environmental harms that humans have inflicted.
“Tangible and meaningful actions are also required,” Monica said.
“Ecosystem restoration is one such way we can help restore justice and facilitate personal and collective ecological conversion.
“We can be inspired by the restoration work that has already been undertaken along this section of the coast and learn firsthand what we can do to assist.”
- The Season of Creation opening Mass will be held on September 6 at 10am at Stockade Botanical Park, Howard Road, Northfield, with a shared picnic lunch to follow. Registrations are essential and can be made here.
