By Marilyn Menezes
SHAH ALAM – On a recent long weekend break, 260 volunteers from the Archdiocese of Kuala Lumpur, embarked on a mission of planting 400 trees at Taman Botani Shah Alam (TBSA), as a ‘Tribute to Pope Francis’. This was a collaborative effort between the Archdiocesan Creation Justice Ministry (CJM) and Jabatan Perhutanan Semenanjung Malaysia (JPSM).
Nature enthusiasts from different parishes in the diocese, Sunday school children, learners preparing for Confirmation and First Holy Communion, the young and the ones willing to make a difference, volunteers from other faith groups, all got together to contribute to care for ‘Our Common Home’.
As the volunteers got off their buses, keeping carpool and fuel consumption in mind, they assembled at the open car park surrounded by huge trees. Fr Andrew Manickam, OFM, Cap, got the event started with a welcome note and everyone proceeded to board the trams. The volunteers enjoyed the view of the huge park while being transported to the planting site.
Archbishop Julian Leow offered a prayer for all the volunteers and the several efforts put in to ‘Care for Creation’. Amidst the trilling of insects, chirping of birds, squeals of laughter and chatter of the young ones, volunteers carefully picked up a couple of saplings. These were native species – Keranjii also known as tamarind-plum (Dialium indum) and pokok Merbau, also known as the Borneo teak (Intsia palembanica).
The excited nature lovers planted these delicate saplings with care surrounded by the picturesque setting of two big lakes – one with white water lily blooms and the other pink. A prayer was whispered and a message uttered aloud, all as a sign of tribute filled with love for Pope Francis, recalling how ‘Care for our planet’ was dear to him. With grateful hearts, the volunteers gathered for lunch and fellowship.
We thank each and every volunteer for their presence, enthusiasm and contribution. We also thank JPSM and TBSA for their collaboration as they commemorated World Forest Day.
Laudato Si’ – the encyclical written by Pope Francis, completed its 10th anniversary this year, encouraging all to take small steps to care for ‘Our Common Home’ and to preserve this God given gift for future generations.
Ecological Spirituality and Ecological Leadership Sessions are being held at different parishes. Do watch out for the dates in your parish and come join us. – Herald Malaysia
