By Sr. Adel Leonida, CCVI & Marie O’ Malley, CEO of Carrigoran House

In line with the Laudato Si’ Action Platform (LSAP), on “Response to the Cry of the Earth,” our community Sisters atSt. Michael’s Convent were enthusiastic to supporting the biodiversity program spearheaded by Marie O’Malley, CEO ofCarrigoran House. As a result, we had the “Spring Tree Planting at Carrigoran House” on March 28. Marie believes that“paramount to our mission and values, Carrigoran House is committed to the protection and development of our naturalenvironment at the same time of utilizing them for the enjoyment of the residents as well as staff and visitors.” Volunteersfrom AXA Partners (the largest insurance company) in Ireland helped plant around 100 trees (Beech, Pine, and OakTrees) in the circa of the 4 acres Grotto area. They also trimmed ivy off the trees for re-growth, as well as undergrowth, toencourage biodiversity. The weather cooperated that day, as we had several residents of the four units that we could wheelto the grounds for their enjoyment and pleasure. The AXA volunteers had the opportunity to meet our residents. The activity also served as a picnic outing for the residents and refreshments were served. As a thank you to the AXA volunteers for their contribution to enhancing the environment’s natural beauty with new trees planted, the residents rendered some songs.

Our community at St. Michael Convent is committed to moving forward in the coming years on our LSAP goals. Weare indeed blessed with the legacy of our founding Sisters in the region and the gift of 172 acres of grazing and farmlands. These make us more appreciative of God’s loving presence with the beauty and wonders of creation. It also compels us to work hand in hand with Marie’s leadership at Carrigoran House with her proposal to rehabilitate the grotto woodlandsas a green land pasture for easy access to the residents as well as to the visitors and other programs of regenerating thescrubland vegetation and the native species and enhancing the biodiversity of the woodlands. Praised be the Incarnate Wordas we all continue to serve with gladness our residents, families, and staff with the care of creation, as God is in creation.