Sai with some volunteers for the tree planting project at Macclesfield in the Yarra Valley. They planted 937 native trees, shrubs and grasses in this beautiful location.
During my time in Essendon, I voluntarily participated in a Tree Planting Project that receives annual financial support from the Columbans. I was eager to be involved because tree planting is one way I can actively contribute to caring for our common home. It allowed me to put into practice what I teach and share with youth, children, and parishioners about Laudato Si' and our Catholic responsibility to care for God’s creation.
While visiting two Catholic primary schools in Melbourne, Mariana and I introduced the children to Pope Francis' encyclical letter, Laudato Si', on Care for Our Common Home. We not only spoke about caring for the environment but also led the students on a garden walk so they could experience and connect with nature in their school grounds.
During the walk, we invited the children to pause, take a deep breath, and reflect. We explained that trees absorb the carbon dioxide that we breathe out while releasing fresh oxygen so we can breathe fresh air; this way, we are all interconnected.
We also asked what would happen if we destroy the world’s forests and the children responded loudly and clearly, "We will all die!" When asked what we should do to protect trees and plants, they answered with equal enthusiasm, "We should not cut them down. We should plant more trees and plants." These simple yet powerful lessons are not only for children, but for all of us to reflect upon and do something about in our parishes, communities, and homes.
Planting trees helped me feel deeply connected to the earth. Breathing in the fresh air provided by the plants felt like experiencing God's blessing for all living creatures. It was very different from sitting in an office. Being outdoors, touching the grass, the plants, the trees, and breathing in the fresh air of nature was uplifting and inspiring. It reminded me of the beautiful mountains surrounding my home village, memories that I cherish dearly.
I returned to Fiji with a renewed love for caring for our common home and a desire to share my tree planting experiences with others. This experience strengthened my connection with nature and reminded me that trees are truly life-giving. They provide us with oxygen, strength, shelter, and beauty. The mountains surrounding my family home are a blessing from God, and they remind me of our responsibility to protect the environment for future generations.
We must continue educating both young and old in our villages and communities about the importance of preserving our forests and planting more trees. In this Season of Creation, we should make time to plant trees and other plants in our yard. I also hope to guide and encourage my nieces and nephews to join me in caring for creation through simple actions such as planting and nurturing trees.
Today, more than ever, we must prioritize care for our common home. We witness devastating natural disasters occurring around the world, and we see their impact every day through the news and social media. The reality is clear: climate and environmental challenges are affecting all of us. We must act now, and even small actions, such as planting trees, can make a difference. Together, we can help protect God's creation and ensure a healthier, greener future for generations to come.
Sainiana Tamatawale is a Columban lay missionary.
