Listening to the story

On Sunday 2nd October, An Gáirdín was presented with the Eco Award from Eco Congregation Ireland.  On the day, An Gáirdín also unveiled a Mural of the Universe Story. The mural painted by artist Izabela Campbell illustrates the story from the Great Flaring Forth approximately 14 billion years ago to the emergence of the human approximately 2½ billion years ago.  Izabela worked with dedication on the mural during the summer months, availing of every possible dry spell.  It covers the unsightly shed walls, once the cow-byres of St. Mary’s Rural Domestic Economy School for over 150 years from the late 19th century to the 1980’s.  The finished work is beautiful and embodies the energy of the great story.  We hope it will be an awareness-raising and educational resource. And of course the paints used are natural and do not contain chemicals.

Appreciating the Mural

It was afternoon and the weather obliged us on the day.  We gathered in the special circle space for introductions, and then walked in silence to the mural.  Róisín and Breda, our faithful volunteers narrated the story, as Francis gracefully unveiled each section, sometimes accompanied by nonintrusive movement, music or drumming.  We finished the narration with Jonathan singing John Seed’s ‘Evolving Universe’.

Noreen and Anne with the Award

We concluded with the Award Presentation.  Fr. Brian Grogan SJ, author of ‘Finding God in a Leaf’ and ‘Creation Walk’, congratulated An Gáirdín for their almost 30 years of commitment to raising awareness of our need to restore our true relationship with the whole community of life.  He spoke about The Eco Congregation and their work of encouragement and affirmation, with parishes and groups.  Sr. Anne accepted the award plaque on behalf of An Gáirdín and on behalf of all the volunteers, individuals, families, and organisations, who are taking steps to respect planet Earth.

Mural of the Universe Story

We had some singing and music as we moved indoors; here, we mingled together, as we partook of the delicious variety of home baking.  All were thanked for helping to make the day special by their attendance, and all who helped out in the preparation of the event.

Noreen Lyons rsm
Western Province