During the season of creation in September we were fortunate to see the artwork Gaia by Luke Jerram in Derby Cathedral. An immense display observing a large model of the Earth rotate as though we are suspended in space looking back at ourselves was truly an experience. Perhaps a little like that feeling that was first observed by the crew of Apollo 8 as they swung round the Moon and saw the Earth rise above the barren lunar surface for the first time. What we have is special, a tiny life-support machine suspended seemingly alone in the great emptiness of space, a treasure chest of love and life.

What we have is special. As St Francis of Assisi puts it in the Canticle of the Creatures

"Praised be you, my Lord,
through our Sister, Mother Earth, ..."

Let us experience a greater connectedness with Sister Earth this March. On the last Saturday in March we join with millions of others to switch off our lights for one hour. It starts at 2030 in your local time zone and ends at 2130 local time.

We invite you to join with us for just one hour. An hour to open our senses that little bit more to that which surrounds us. An hour to give a new perspective on our lives. An hour to reach out and renew our relationship with the Creator and the created. An hour of hope: a hope of a sustainable future that we share with millions of others.

For more information see the Earth Hour website https://www.earthhour.org/

Living Laudato Si’ suggests switching off all non-essential electricity and not to use fossil fuels for that hour. This provides an opportunity to experience a greater connectedness to nature and friends and family without the background buzz and whirr of our modern lives. Take an hour to see our common home in a new way. Think of it as a small action to “restore our sense of self-esteem… to live more fully and to feel that life on earth is worthwhile” [Laudato Si’, 212].

Earth Hour 2023 – Saturday 25 March at 8:30pm – lights off for one hour. Tell your family and friends. Together we can make a positive difference!