17 November 2019
By Mary Bermingham
mary@TheCork.ie
Nano Nagle Birthplace will host a seminar on climate change to be delivered by climate activist, academic and author, Dr Lora Gold. The event – ‘Awakening to our Children’s Future – will take place next Saturday, 23 November from 10am – 4pm.
This special event will explore the themes of integral ecology and environmental action through the frame of deep listening. Taking inspiration from Pope Francis in Laudato Si, and Nano Nagle’s charism, it will engage participants in a powerful journey: from wonder and awe at the beauty of creation, through lament and reconciliation. This reflective day will focus on honing our individual and collective capacity to slow down and hear both the song and the cry of the earth. Through that, participants will start to discern what ‘contemplative action’ looks like in the face of the climate and ecological emergency.
The world is waking up to climate change and ecological destruction. What this means for us all, but especially our children and grandchildren, is a frightening prospect. Responding to this is deeply challenging. In our quest to try to respond, we can become caught up in manic activism, in the attempt to feel we are doing something. Others feel paralysed by the inadequacy of action, and the sheer scale of the problem. Facing the ecological crisis can become all consuming, and at times, overwhelming.
Lorna Gold has worked with Trócaire for almost twenty years in the areas of policy, advocacy and research. She lectures in Applied Social Studies at Maynooth University, and is vice-chair of the board of the Catholic Climate Movement and a member of the government advisory group on the National Climate Dialogue. Her most recent book Climate Generation – Awakening to our Children’s Future tells her personal story of waking up to the ecological emergency as a young mother.
Advance booking is essential. Further information can be obtained by contacting 022-26411 or email secretary@nanonaglebithplace.ie
