Season of Creation
The Season of Creation is marked throughout the Christian World from 1 September to 4 October (Feast of St Francis of Assisi) and celebrates the joy of creation by encouraging awareness and raising initiatives to protect the natural environment.
Blessing of the Lough
The theme of this year’s Season of Creation was ‘Let Justice and Peace Flow’, and the image used was that of a river. It is based on the words of the Prophet Amos when he cries out ‘Let Justice roll on like a river, righteousness like a never – failing Stream’ (5:24).
To celebrate the Season of Creation we had three events in our Parish. We were invited to bless a river as part of the celebrations, but as Lough Neagh is an integral part of our Parish and surrounding area, it seemed the more appropriate choice. During the summer Lough Neagh was contaminated by a bloom of poisonous, blue – green algae and it was dangerous to anyone or anything that entered the water. On 23 September 2023 Canon McBride was joined by Parishioners on the lough shore near Sandy Bay for the blessing.
Planting of Crocus’
Parishioners were invited to take part in planting of Crocus’ in the grounds of Mater Dei and St Joseph’s churches after 9.30am and 10.45am Masses on Sunday 24 September 2023.
Blessing of Pets
‘For you love all things that exist and detest none of the things that you have made; for you would not have made anything if you had hated it’ (Wisdom 11:24). Every creature is thus the object of the Father’s tenderness, who gives it its place in the world. Even the fleeting life of the least of beings is the object of his love, and in its few seconds of existence, God enfolds it with his affection.’
On 30 September we had the blessing of family pets; Canon McBride was joined in the grounds of Mater Dei church by Parishioners and their family pets.
The three events provided opportunities for Parishioners to come together to celebrate and mark the Season of Creation with refreshments provided afterwards and a chance to catch up.
