National Love a Tree Day

National Love a Tree Day serves as a call to action. It nudges us to plant new trees, care for the existing ones, and spread awareness about their importance. This special day is a reminder to appreciate trees and all they do for us. They protect our soil from erosion and help maintain the balance of our ecosystems.

They also play a significant role in battling climate change by absorbing carbon dioxide. The day aims to encourage everyone to see trees as an essential part of healthy environment and our everyday lives.

Immerse yourself in a forest walk, breath deeply they will rejuvenate both mind and spirit,  let the trees love and uplift you.

For many years I have been part of a team dedicated to one of the most valued components to the City of London, our Trees,  if you are looking for examples of resiliency – let the trees lead the way. Drought, insect infestation, human encroachment, and many other factors have made survival a challenge.

And yet, they do!  The emerald Ash borer has decimated millions of Ash trees, Urban Forestry London working with partners (such as myself), keep on planting - and it works. Trees show us, how to adapt and build resiliency when given the chance for regrowth.

So, keep on planting, celebrate Love a Tree Day, May 16th, 2024

By Mary Hooydonk

Image: Jeroen den Otter@jeroendenotter/Unsplash

May 16 - International Day of Living Together in Peace

The International Day of Living Together in Peace (May 16th) captured my interest.  Thinking about our world at this time – where scenes of violence are regularly shown on our TV screen or are the headlines in our newspapers. Reports bring many emotions forward but are not on the side of peace. News of ongoing atrocities in Sudan; gang violence in Haiti; starvation and destruction of villages in Gaza; devastation of the people, land and structures in Ukraine. Unbearable news that breaks one’s heart and leaves one feeling helpless.

Most recently is the unrest seen at many University campuses both in the U.S. and in parts of our own country.  Young students standing on behalf of those who have literally lost their voice. Students ‘wanting a peaceful world’ risk being jailed on behalf of their Palestinian brothers and sisters.

How are each one of us being called at this moment to respond?  Knowing that we are not called ‘to the front lines’ in any of the above situations, what is ours to do?

I recently came across the following quote adapted by Mirabai Starr which has become a daily invitation as I go about the work of the day.

Joshua Sukoff/Unsplash

“Our task is to mend the broken world.  We do this through every act of loving kindness we offer others in a spirit of generosity, and hospitality.  It is an offering of each of us as we are…with no strings attached. ”

As I said earlier ‘we will not be asked to go to the front lines to serve the dear neighbor’ yet, who is the neighbour nearby to whom I can offer kind words or gestures of generous hospitality? On this International Day of Living in Peace, how can I live peace that will make a difference? Our actions, large or small, and our thoughts make a difference, and they can help mend this broken world. 

-Sister Ann MacDonald, CSJ