Thursday 5th June 2008
7.30 pm in Clifton Cathedral
Clifton Park, Bristol BS8 3BX

Clifton Cathedral hosts a unique event on United Nations World Environment Day.

A lively evening exploring tales of Catholic saints who loved creation. Top radio and TV presenter Martin Palmer guides us through 2000 years of Christian engagement in our natural world.

Martin said, "1400 years ago Europe faced a massive ecological crisis as the result of the collapse of the Roman Empire. Into the chaos and destruction of the landscape came St Benedict whose religious Order the Benedictines, rebuilt the shattered ecology of Europe through prayer, study and hard work. Can they do this again for our modern day crisis?

"Throughout Christian history, saints have opposed the exploitation of nature, cruelty to animals and destruction of God's creation. In our own land, St Melangel protected a hunted hare and helped create an animal sanctuary which is still in force today, hundreds of years after her death.

"Woven through the myths and legends that surround the life, passion, death and resurrection of Christ are stories which emphasis how the world of creation sought to protect its Lord or cried in agony when humanity crucified him. Discover what happens on Christmas Eve or how the robin got its red breast and rediscover the sense that all Creation is loved and treasured by God.

"Through stories, through opportunities for artwork, writing prayers, even creating hymns, we will explore the amazing wealth and depth of Christian passion for creation which might just give us new ways of thinking about how we use, treat and respect all of creation."

Saints & Sustainability is free and all are welcome.

As part of the Saints & Sustainability, Sound of Many Waters, re-presents Safeguarding the Environment. This is the chapter from the Compendium of the Social Doctrine of the Church that is concerned with environmental matters. You can download the beautifully designed document below. The full compendium is available from the Pontifical Council for Justice and Peace’s section of the Vatican website. We also make available The Call of Creation: God’s Invitation and the Human Response, The Natural Environment and Catholic Social Teaching which was published in 2002 by the Bishops’ Conference of England and Wales.