Leading environmental justice campaigner to speak at Knock

Knock Shrine is holding a day conference with a leading thinker and writer in the field of eco-theology and environmental justice, Fr Sean McDonagh SSC, on Saturday, November 14.

Fr McDonagh is known around the world for his work to promote environmental justice and sustainable development and he advised the Vatican on the first draft of Laudato Si', Pope Francis' ground breaking encyclical on the environment published earlier this year.

A Columban priest and missionary, Fr McDonagh began his pioneering work on environmental issues in the 1970s, while working with the indigenous T'boli people on the island of Mindanao in the Philippines.

Since then, he has become a leading campaigner and has lectured all over the world on issues such as global warming, genetically engineered food, water pollution, extinction of natural environments and the dangerous impact of modern patterns of production, distribution and consumption.

He has published several books and won a Partnership for Global Justice Award in 2011.

Laudato Si' is the second Encyclical from Pope Francis. It was published earlier this year and was widely recognised as one of the most keenly anticipated papal encyclicals of modern times.

It deals with issues such as climate change, pollution, the exploitation of nature's resources, poverty, and social responsibility.

The conference is an excellent opportunity to hear from a leading expert in this area.

It takes place at St John's Rest & Care Centre, Knock Shrine, at 10am on Saturday, November 14.

Booking is advised. Telephone (094) 9375321 or (087) 6927850. Alternatively, email faithrenewal@knockshrine.ie.

The conference costs €30 and includes lunch.