Respecting life and creation
Dear Editor,
October 4 marks the Feast of St. Francis of Assisi, the patron saint of ecology and a traditional time for the blessing of animals, especially pets. But St. Francis would want us to go beyond merely blessing animals.
As Catholics we embrace a holistic vision of caring for all creatures — pets and wild — and the ground, air, and water we all inhabit.
As the Season of Creation draws to a close on October 4, Respect Life month begins. While the latter is more widely known in the Church, care for creation and the dignity of the human person go hand in hand.
Indeed, Bishop Hying highlighted both in his recent column on the dignity of work.
As Pope Francis notes, disregard for life and disregard for creation both stem from the same throwaway culture mentality.
Many ecological issues are also life issues, but most egregious in southern Wisconsin is drinking water pollution. In some portions of southwestern Wisconsin, nearly half of private wells are contaminated with high levels of nitrates, which can cause blue baby syndrome, spontaneous miscarriages, and cancer.
It is particularly dangerous for pregnant mothers and infants. Water is supposed to be a source of life and renewal, and is central to our liturgy in the form of the Baptismal font, the holy water font, and sprinkling rites.
However, in many of our rural homes and parishes, that water is poisoned. Most nitrates come from fertilizers. While farming practices and government policies can reduce contamination, we all have a role to play.
During Respect Life month, consider purchasing organic milk, which requires animals to have access to pasture and reduces the need to spread large amounts of manure on fields. Similarly, grass-fed beef is raised on pasture and results in much less contamination of groundwater.
Not only is pasture-based milk and meat better for water quality, it also supports a wider array of creation as well, from grassland birds to pollinators like monarchs. Does it cost more? Yes. But the cost of critically ill babies, preventable miscarriages, and cancer is incalculable.
As Catholics, we have a long and laudable history of making small sacrifices to support life for others.
Let’s have our actions big and small support clean water and the flourishing of all life.
Ryan O’Connor
Blessed Sacrament Parish
Madison