Inspired by Laudato Si, Pope Francis’ encyclical on the environment, the Secular Franciscans of Holy Family parish in Vernon have donated more than 40 new trees to Holy Cross Academy.
After holding bake sales to raise funds for the project, the Franciscans bought the white firs, Fraser firs, and old fashioned lilacs from Herkimer County Soil and Water Conservation. Through their contact Ellen Gigliotti, who has been teaching Laudato Si to her eighth-grade religion students recently, they chose HCA to receive the donation.
Franciscans Tutti Wagner and Shirley Witchley guided the eighth-graders in planting the new trees around the school campus May 9.
“It’s going to do a lot of good for the planet,” said student Gloria Twal of the encyclical.Her classmate Tatiana Nowakowski added, “It sends a good message.”
Her classmate Tatiana Nowakowski added, “It sends a good message.”
“We’re so thankful to the Secular Franciscans for involving our students in putting our Holy Father’s words into action,” said HCA principal Teri Maciag.