Knock Conference for Upcoming Season of Creation

Knock Shrine will host a special conference on Saturday, 29 August, exploring how faith communities can play a leading role in restoring biodiversity and caring for creation.

The event will highlight Knock’s role as a flagship participant in the Church Return to Nature Project, showcasing work undertaken at the Shrine in partnership with Mayo County Council’s Biodiversity Office.

The conference coincides with this year’s Season of Creation, the annual ecumenical period from September 1 to October 4, the Feast of Saint Francis of Assisi, dedicated to prayer and action for the care of the natural environment.

The Church Return to Nature Project aims to encourage churches and faith communities to return 30% of church lands to nature by 2030. At Knock, this has included the creation of pollinator-friendly habitats, native orchards, bird and bat boxes, reduced mowing regimes and the development of a comprehensive Biodiversity Action Plan.

With almost one million visitors each year, Knock Shrine provides a significant opportunity to demonstrate how practical action for nature can inspire communities across Ireland.

The conference will celebrate the progress made at Knock while sharing practical advice and exploring how parishes and other faith communities can become active partners in biodiversity conservation.

Participants will hear from a range of experts and speakers, including Mayo Biodiversity Officer Sheila Murphy, Rev Suzanne Cousins, ecologist Karina Dingerkus, and Meadhbh Bolger of the Heritage Council, who will discuss the Havens for Nature booklet.

The programme will also include a tour of the Knock Shrine grounds, giving participants an opportunity to see first-hand the biodiversity initiatives introduced across the site.

The event will conclude with a panel discussion featuring Jane Mellett of Laudato Si, followed by closing prayer.

Organisers say the conference will demonstrate how environmental stewardship and faith can work hand in hand, while encouraging communities to take practical steps to protect and restore nature.

The Church Return to Nature Project seeks to create richer and more resilient landscapes for wildlife while deepening the Christian commitment to caring for “our common home”.

The conference takes place from 10am to 3pm on Saturday, 29 August, at Saint John’s Rest and Care Centre at Knock Shrine. Registration and refreshments begin at 10am, followed by welcome and opening prayer at 10.30am.

The event is an opportunity for parishes, faith groups and anyone interested in biodiversity and creation care to discover how small changes to church grounds can make a lasting difference for nature.

To register/learn more, https://www.knockshrine.ie/news/