At St. Brigid Parish in Amherst, Massachusetts, parishioners embraced the spirit of Laudato Si’ throughout October with a series of faith-filled gatherings under the theme “Hope for the Earth and the Poor.” Each event celebrated the beauty of creation, the unity of community, and the call to care for our common home.
On Oct. 5, the parish honored St. Francis of Assisi, patron saint of ecology, with the traditional Blessing of the Animals, a joyful celebration that brought parishioners and their beloved pets together in gratitude for all living creatures. The celebrations continued with a Mass on Oct. 7 in honor of Our Lady of the Rosary, which concluded with a warm gathering at Our Lady’s Rose Garden. Two days later the “Garden Girls” met for a day of prayer, rosary, and fellowship in the garden, and on October 19, the community hosted a Laudato Si’ reflection and coffee hour at the Newman Catholic Center, continuing the dialogue on faith, creation, and care for the poor.
Last year, parishioner Laura MacLeod planted the seeds of Our Lady’s Rose Garden in anticipation of the Laudato Si’ anniversary. The garden has flourished through dedication and community support, with more roses donated this year and a new wooden sign handcrafted by a parish volunteer. “I was lucky that our priest, Fr. Val, blessed it, and then Bishop Byrne did too,” she shared. “We continue to care for it, and this year it looked especially beautiful.”
Adding to the parish’s spirit of renewal, Springfield Bishop William D. Byrne celebrated Mass for Laudato Si’ last month and offered a special blessing for Our Lady’s Rose Garden and all who nurture it. His presence and prayerful encouragement reflected the heart of Laudato Si’, that through faith and care for creation, we honor God’s gifts and uplift those most in need.
The St. Brigid community with the Newman Catholic Center continues to embody Pope Francis’ vision of “hope for the earth and the poor,” living out the Gospel call to protect creation and one another with love.