[JPIC News- Incheon Province] Standing in solidarity with suffering creatures(2)

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After returning from the Mass for the restoration of the tidal flats in Saemangeum, we considered how we could specifically respond to the cry of nature and people. Meanwhile, we learned that a documentary film entitled “Sura-A Love Song” was released in June 2023. For seven years, director Hwang Yoon worked to record the beauty of Sura and the story of the activists who protected this last tidal flat for over 20 years. This story resonates powerfully with Korean society.

After contacting the director, we learned that the film could be screened in our local community and, in doing so, would greatly help activists. Therefore, we decided to make our solidarity real in Ganghwa by screening the film.

On the 22^nd of November, 80 seats in the theater were filled with Sisters of Notre Dame, sisters from other congregations, seminarians, and priests. During the screening, all those who attended were fascinated by the beauty of Sura and the many lives that inhabit Sura. They were moved by all the efforts people made to protect Sura. We had a wonderful conversation after the screening. Sisters and seminarians shared their insights on the film. We had heard about the Saemangeum reclamation project so many times that we thought we were well aware of its environmental impact. We hadn’t realized how much humans have damaged nature and devastated lives there. Also, we all are grateful to be made aware of the lives now facing extinction and destruction. We promised to stand in solidarity as we care for creation faithfully.

“Let us sing as we go. May our struggles and our concern for this planet never take away the joy of our hope.” (LS 244)