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In seeking hope, we are making a difference

In the beginning God created the heavens and the earth. Now the earth was formless and empty, darkness was over the surface of the deep, and the Spirit of God was hovering over the waters. 
And God said, “Let there be light,” and there was light. God saw that the light was good, and God separated the light from the darkness. God called the light “day,” and the darkness God called “night.” And there was evening, and there was morning—the first day.   Genesis 1:1-3             

On Saturday 26 March churches around the world will be holding Vigils for Earth Hour, joining people around the world in committing to care for the planet.  Earth Hour is a movement that shines a light on climate action.  Started in 2007 by WWF  Earth Hour now “engages supporters in more than 190 countries and territories, all taking action to ensure a brighter future for people and planet”. On the last Saturday in March each year supporters turn off their lights from 8.30 – 9.30 pm local time. 

Yes, it is a symbolic act and as such it is limited. But it reminds us that in working together we create hope. As God’s co-creators we are called not only to create hope, but to remind ourselves that in seeking hope we are making a difference.

We act from a place of love for our planet and all our relations. In the face of overwhelming evidence, we acknowledge our collective negative impact on this planet and recommit to telling stories of love and hope through the living of our everyday lives. Make Earth Hour 2022 a time for celebrating our small steps.

 Prayer for our Earth 

All-powerful God, you are present in the whole universe and in the smallest of your creatures.
You embrace with your tenderness all that exists. Pour out upon us the power of your love, that we may protect life and beauty. 
                     Fill us with peace, that we may live as brothers and sisters, harming no one. 
                            O God of the poor, help us to rescue the abandoned and forgotten of this earth,          so precious in your eyes. 
Bring healing to our lives, that we may protect the world and not prey on it, that we may sow beauty, not pollution and destruction. 
                            Touch the hearts of those who look only for gain at the expense of the poor and the earth. 
                            Teach us to discover the worth of each thing, to be filled with awe and contemplation, to recognize that we are profoundly united with every creature as we journey towards your infinite light. 
                            We thank you for being with us each day. Encourage us, we pray, in our struggle for justice, love and peace.      
(Pope Francis, Laudato Si)