Catholic Religious Australia (CRA), the representative organisation of Leaders of 150 Religious Institutes in Australia, has launched “10,000 for 10”, a project to encourage members and their local communities to plant and/or protect 10,000 trees, to celebrate the 10th anniversary year of Pope Francis’ encyclical Laudato Si’.

ABC Gardening Australia’s Costa Georgiadis joined over 60 CRA members and friends to lead the launch, lending his characteristic passion to the project as well as some sage ecological wisdom and pointed gardening tips.

“Costa reminded us of Pope Francis’ ecological vision and urged us to care for trees, and not to plant and ignore them. When we actively nurture our trees, we are connected with our environment, we care more,” said Gerard Brady, President of CRA. “This project helps our whole ecological system, supporting pollinators and increasing biodiversity. Costa strongly affirmed the impact of this CRA initiative, imagining the fruits of the project in 25 years and beyond.”

Anne Walker, National Executive Director of CRA, said, “The ‘10,000 for 10’ initiative was developed to honour ten years of ecological efforts inspired by Laudato Si’, a teaching that calls all people of the world to take ‘swift and unified global action’ to protect God’s creation, while lamenting the destruction of nature through irresponsible economic development and a culture of consumerism.

“Many religious communities, along with local parishes and other neighbours, have already started planting and protecting trees on their properties or as part of shared community projects,” she added. “This is very encouraging and we hope that the ‘10,000 for 10’ initiative will inspire many others to take similar action.

“By planting trees, we are taking steps to renew our relationship with God, creation and neighbour,” Anne concluded.

Detailed information about the “10,000 for 10” initiative, including an FAQ factsheet, can be found on the CRA website at https://www.catholicreligious.org.au/10000-for-10.

Download the PDF here.

MEDIA ENQUIRIES: Anne Walker |T: 0409936711 | E: nationalexec@catholicreligious.org.au