In 2015, Pope Francis published the encyclical ‘Laudato Si', a plea for an "ecological and environmental conversion" and established a "Season of Creation" from 1 September to 4 October. Father Bertrand Cherrier has been pastor of Saint-Gabriel parish in Paris (20th arrondissement) since 2014. Concerned about environmental issues, he was helped by several parishioners and local residents to launch various ecological projects: energy savings, reduction of organic waste and creation of a vegetable garden. The parish has also obtained the "Église Verte" label and is currently at the "Cep de vigne" level in its ecological progress.
When did you get the idea to set up the initiative: "Green Parish" and did the release of the Encyclical ‘Laudato Si' and COP 21 in France in December 2015 play a role?
The publication of the Encyclical ‘Laudato Si' – Care for Our Common Home was the ecological trigger for our parish. Several parishioners and residents of the district wanted to go deeper into this document. The Encyclical has given rise to several meetings. In the end, we decided to take action. The urgency of changing behaviours is at the origin of the group - "Vivre Laudato Si'". Many parishioners were waiting for this document from the Church which addresses the theme of "integral ecology". Through this approach, the care is as much about Creation as it is about the human person, especially those who are poorest. This is because the Encyclical’s original thinking linked ecology and humanity around the famous formula: "Listen to the cry of the earth and the poor". This magnificent encyclical is to be read and reread. We must take this document back, work on it and see it through because it is a source of fertility. Associations and movements, parishes and communities must be inspired by it on a daily basis.
Since the release of the Encyclical Laudato Si', what dynamics have the parishioners established?
Thirty to forty members take turns leading educational training activities (cosmetic manufacturing workshops or household goods) and the introduction especially around the church, of green spaces. We also planted a vine and wheat in front of the church to establish the link between catechesis and the Eucharist. It is the community that generates all these actions. The vegetable garden and compost are the result of the actions of parishioners. My approach - as a priest - is to support them and to enhance their initiatives. Coming from the rural world (Editor's note: Le Loiret), I am very sensitive to ecological issues.
What is the "Green Church" Label? Why did you take this step in your church?
"Green Church" is an association that proposes some elements of discernment regarding our ability to achieve what Pope Francis asks for in the Encyclical. We completed an "eco-diagnosis", a questionnaire that allows us to know how a parish can progress on the path of "ecological conversion". Until now, we had no evidence to measure the efforts we were undertaking. This Label has five levels of progression and we have already reached the third level. "Eco-diagnosis" has been a great help because it has allowed us to improve catechesis, liturgy, the maintenance of our buildings and green spaces... For example, the lighting in the church has been changed by using light-emitting diode (LED) bulbs and our electricity consumption has been cut in half.
Do these ecological actions promote the social link between parishioners and residents?
We are in a real ecological dynamic, which meets an expectation, especially among young people. It is this great strength that allows us to connect to the life of the neighbourhood. As Pope Francis points out, reality is more important than the idea. We are part of this principle of reality. We do not wish to reflect or dialogue so much on ecological issues, but rather to be actively engaged in "integral conversion".
In ‘Laudato Si', Pope Francis tells us about the "common home" that we must take care of and that we are called to a "new universal solidarity". What does this sentence inspire you?
Our ecological concern must extend beyond the perimeter of the parish. This understanding of our "common destiny" can be seen in an ecological concern, though in several other areas this is not always the case. Through a universal understanding, ecology must take its full place. We are in a society that shifts personal interests to collective interests. It is urgent to change our lifestyles and return to sobriety.
How can the parish become more eco-responsible?
On the ground, we are trying to change things in order to achieve intergenerational solidarity. We have integrated our ecology into catechesis, into the life of the chaplaincy, just as we have integrated into MCR (Mixed recyclable composites) – choosing moments in the year - when we work on "ecological conversion". For Lent, we give conferences on food and consumption. But there is still room for improvement in our behaviour. For example, every year we sell 15,000 candles with a plastic holder. We are trying to think about a zero waste solution. If we multiply the number of small initiatives, it will ultimately be an important ecological act. Objective: "zero waste"!
How does your parish get involved?
This year we have chosen to address the theme of water. Lack of water is an emergency. This is a problem that is in line with Pope Francis' concerns about the poorest. It is the richest who increasingly have access to water. We will have an exhibition on this theme in the church to raise awareness about it.
What are Saint-Gabriel's future projects?
We remain in continuity with the manufacturing workshops and selective sorting within the parish. But we need to work even more on the link between "the cry of the poor and the cry of the earth". We will enlarge our garden area to involve the neighbourhood's premises in the creation of a vegetable garden. We will be able to redistribute the fruits and vegetables from this garden, according to needs. Why not collaborate with the "Winter Solidarity" group, which allows street people during the four winter months to be welcomed for an evening meal and a night in the crypt of the church. This would be our way of living an "integral ecology" that takes into account the various vulnerabilities of our modern world, both societal and ecological.
Have you created similar bodies in other Parisian parishes?
In response to the call of several parishes, three members of the "Vivre Laudato Si'" group will meet other Parisian parishioners to set up a "Laudato Si'" group in Paris in their parish. In addition, Collège des Bernardins is carrying out field work. We work in collaboration with them on ecological workshops. In addition, I am involved in patronages and I hope to raise awareness among directors on this subject. Mutual assistance between parishes is essential in all areas, and in particular in the ecological field. Cardinal André Vingt-Trois wanted this. Archbishop Michel Aupetit of Paris ensures this continuity. Unity between parishes is essential for a good ecclesial and diocesan dynamic. I would now like the dioceses to appoint a person responsible for "ecological conversion" and to include this function in their organizational chart because at this present time there is no link between the national, diocesan and parish structures.
10/04/2019