Campaigners plan anti-fracking vigil on Feast of St Francis

Campaigners in Lancashire will mark the Feast of St Francis, Patron Saint of the Environment, on 4 October with a vigil at Preston's New Road fracking site.

Bob Turner writes: "Those taking part will meet at Maple Farm on Preston New Road at 11am and walk in procession down to the Fracking Site. Once there, there will be a short service of prayers, eco -hymns and readings. Two keynote speakers will highlight the problems we have caused to the environment and will be available for interviews afterwards. Although the event is organised by the Global Catholic Climate Movement, it is an ecumenical one open to all faiths and none. With the cooperation of the police we have planned a powerful finale right outside the gates of Cuadrilla fracking site."

He said: "It is a peaceful prayer gathering, organised as the culmination of the Season of Creation ,a month of prayer for our world and in response to the need for all nations to reduce their dependence on fossil fuels. Throughout the month people have been signing a pledge to live more simply and advocate to protect our common home. This is based on the guidance of Pope Francis in his encyclical letter - Laudato Si.

"The day also highlights The BIG SHIFT initiative ,which appeals to the world bank to move away from fossil fuels and to invest in renewable energy , this is in harmony with Pope Francis's call in his encyclical Laudato Si asking for a real ecological conversion."

Links:

Sean of Creation: http://seasonofcreation.org/

Catholic Climate Movement: http://catholicclimatemovement.global/introduction/

Thunderclap : www.thunderclap.it/en/projects/62012-the-big-shift-global