Listening to the cry of the Earth and the poor

Aug 11, 2023

By Marilyn Menezes Simon
With its continued focus on restoring critical ecosystems, the Kuala Lumpur Archdiocesan Creation Justice Ministry (CJM), organised the Mangroves Are Amazing event and successfully planted 300 Rhizosphora trees, at the Kuala Selangor Nature Park (KSNP), July 22.

In a brilliant display of concern for the environment and inclusiveness, the event had 105 environmental enthusiasts, from different faiths and age groups.

The CJM Ecclesiastical Assistant Fr Andrew Manickam, OFM Cap, warmly thanked everyone for their time and prayed for the gift of creation and for protection. KSNP project coordinator Ashok said, the area was originally intended for a golf course. However, it is now conserved and safeguarded by KSNP in partnership with the Malaysian Nature Society, and the area has become self-sustaining.

Over 200 species of birds, from 25 countries, visit the park during different seasons. The mangroves play a crucial role in decarbonisation. These endangered plants can store vast amounts of carbon. Mangrove forests are key weapons in the fight against climate change.

The environmental advocates were divided into two groups – a bigger group that planted the trees and another to help prepare the 40 saplings. After the event, the participants freshened up and enjoyed bonding over a meal. Ten-year-old Shaun said, “It was a day of exploring. I had fun!” The volunteers agreed that connecting and making a contribution to care for ‘our common home’ is indeed fulfilling.

The mangrove planting activity was a follow- up of the Run4Unity, organised in May 2023, by the Laudato Si’ Action Platform of the Vatican’s Dicastery for Promoting Integral Human Development. A total of 50 participants collectively completed 240.12km which translates into the planting of a minimum of 200 mangrove trees.

The cry of the Earth is intimately linked with the cry of the poor. An outreach to friends keeping the streets clean was held on July 15. Individuals, families and BECs, contributed provisions and organised over 130 bags. The mission continued for a week with items sent to school children, families and homes. CJM thanks everyone for their overflowing generosity and prayers.

During the July Clergy Recollection, saplings were distributed to the clergy to encourage tree planting in the parishes and in remembrance of grandparents, on the Third World Day for Grandparents and the Elderly.