Earth Day celebration at Holy Cross Retreat Center: Prayer, an outdoor mural, electric cars, tree planting

Holy Cross Retreat Center in Mesilla Park hosted two events for Earth Day on April 22-23.  On Friday evening, about 45 people gathered for an interfaith prayer service in which those gathered recalled the beauty of the Earth and gave thanks to God for the many gifts we receive. The speaker, Rev. Henry Atkins, also challenged us to consciously care for all aspects of creation, including the poor and those most affected by environmental issues.

The plan on Saturday was to be outside to appreciate the beauty of the day, but wind prompted us to move inside the chapel. Ten speakers provided practical ways in which we can change our attitudes and actions to be more responsible. Several people helped on an outdoor mural, while others heard about the experience of owning an electric car.

We finished in the afternoon by planting a drought-resistant red push Pistache tree to provide more shade for the labyrinth.

Now comes the reality of working both locally and regionally throughout the year to care for the Earth by following through on the ideas.

This was the retreat center’s first year hosting Earth Day events.

Holy Cross Retreat Center is located at 600 Holy Cross Road in Mesilla Park, 2 miles south of University Avenue off South Main Street.

For more information, call Holy Cross Retreat Center at 575-524-3688.

Visit https://holycrossretreat.org/ and https://organizenm.org/.