Climate campaigners attend open-air Mass outside Parliament

Mass for the Planet outside Parliament - Image: ICN/JS

A beautiful open-air Mass was celebrated on Saturday afternoon - a few steps from Westminster Abbey and the Houses of Parliament. Organised by the Laudato Si Movement, the celebrant was Fr Joe Ryan, parish priest at St John Vianney's parish in West Green and former chair of Westminster Diocese Justice and Peace. Although there was continuous noise of passing demonstrators drumming and whistling, the congregation - led by a cantor - easily rose above it, beginning with 'I the Lord of Sea and Sky', and the Taize chant 'Oh Lord hear My Prayer'. During the Offertory they sang the Franciscan hymn 'All Creatures of Our God and King'.

In his open remarks Fr Joe said it was a privilege to be allowed to celebrate Mass in such a location. He said: "When Laudato Si came out I began underlining particular sentences - then I realised it was so important I had to underline it all!"

In his homily Fr Joe said: "One of the prayers I'm going to say soon about the offering of the bread and wine is: 'Blessed are you Lord God of all creation.' And that's why we are here this afternoon. Giving praise to God and hoping and praying that our planet will survive - and the devastation that we are demonstrating against will not prevail.

"One of the people that inspired me many years ago was in the documentary by Al Gore, in which he depicted a child meeting with the grandparents in the year 2050 and asking: "Grandad you knew that all of this was happening. What did you do about it?" That to me has been the inspiration to try to do something, by way of cajoling, encouraging those who are in authority, those who are financial directors that it's not all about money it's about saving the planet. It's about caring for one another. And especially our future generations. And praise the Lord that we have a Pope who can inspire us. This letter - Laudato Si - has not just been written to us - its been written to every single individual on the planet. Its a powerful document and praise the Lord for those who are trying to make it known…

Sometimes I'm ready to give up but we have to hang in there. I'm sure nobody would feel like that here. You're so full of faith and determined . And we'll keep that determination going.."

Prayers of the Faithful read by a Laudato Si volunteer were:

"We give thanks for this gathering and everyone who has come to London for it. We pray that all may draw hope and dare to dream of a better future.

We pray for all those in any kind of leadership. May they hear and respond to the cry of the earth and the cry of the poor.

We pray for peace especially in those countries riven by climate change causing conflict. May the international community be alerted to act to provide real help.

We pray for the police here giving thanks for their service in keeping people safe while preserving their right to make their voice heard.

We pray for the young fearful of their future. May they see hope dawn and real change begin to happen.

We pray for the sick especially those affected by air pollution, heat waves, drought and malnutrition and lack of clean water. May we work towards a just transition and fairer distribution of resources.

We pray for all environment campaigners who have lost their lives may they rest in peace and may their sacrifice not be in vain.

We give thanks for this beautiful planet and all the resourceful people that live on it. Give us a spirit of love for all the beauty you have created and of collaboration in caring for it."

At the end of Mass Fr Joe explained that he is retiring soon - after 52 years service. He said: "Its nice to go out on high note - in front of the Houses of Parliament. The seat of government! Praise the Lord and thank you all very much.."

Fr Joe thanked the organisers and musicians and encouraged all those present to "keep up the good work saving our planet. "

LINKS
The Big One: https://extinctionrebellion.uk/the-big-one/
Christian Climate Action: https://christianclimateaction.org/