CAFOD Southwark's Creation Celebration pilgrimage

St Francis de Sales church, Hartley image RCDS

On Saturday 22 June, thirteen responded to an invitation to spend a day with God's beautiful creation in the countryside around Hartley in North-West Kent.

We have been hearing much in the news recently about climate change, a threat to the whole planet and all of humankind. Something that affects our homes, our health, our heritage and our beautiful landscapes, ruining work done to fight poverty and to live better lives.

We are all part of God's creation and called to love, cherish, protect and restore our common home, the earth. Our relationship with creation, as any relationship, works best when we invest time in it. Our pilgrimage was a chance to take that time to meet with nature and spend time listening to God and what he wants for each of us in the world.

The unusual thatched Church of St Francis de Sales in Hartley houses a shrine to Our Lady where pilgrims can benefit from a plenary indulgence granted by Pope Benedict XV during the First World War, when he became impressed by the efforts made to welcome refugees from the Low Countries and provide shelter in farm buildings. Phil Kerton, the parish pilgrimage secretary points out that this indulgence is intended to benefit those who "pray for peace amongst the Princes of Europe" - or, as we might say today, "the rulers of Europe".

True peace - "Shalom" - implies an accord with the will of God, an absence of selfish desires and a concern for the Common Good. This concern requires care for creation and a willingness to share resources with our brothers and sisters who are being affected by Climate Change. A change in outlook that entails repentance and conversion to new lifestyles that sit more easily upon the earth.

There has been huge progress on understanding climate change and its effects, but things are urgent now. Our reflections during the pilgrimage made use of ideas from CAFOD's new climate campaign Our Common Home. This points out that we each have a chance to respond by taking personal action in our own lifestyles and by inspiring and convincing our MPs to move ahead rapidly with policies that tackle climate change. Hence this week's Lobby of Parliament!

During our pilgrimage we moved through picturesque fields and woods, just 30 minutes away from central London by train, with stops in the open air and in two ancient churches to picnic, reflect, discuss, create and make resolutions.

Every pilgrimage provides space and time out of our everyday lives to look afresh at our surroundings and discuss the things that concern us with companions who share our faith. It builds memories that sustain us in continued endeavours in a more personal way than reading leaflets and listening to talks. We now look forward to seeing where God takes us on our journey into His creation.