On November 1, Catholics around the world celebrate All Saints Day by lighting candles and remembering the saints who have gone before us. November 1 is also the second day of COP26 in Glasgow, the critical gathering of global leaders brought together to combat the climate crisis.
Meanwhile, in the United States, we will be preparing for Election Day on November 2 and responding to whatever progress has been achieved on the investment bill before the US Congress.
Faced with threats to the key climate and justice provisions in that bill, five youth, including Catholic young adult Paul Campion, began a hunger strike in Washington, D.C. on October 20, promising to refuse food until robust climate legislation is passed. In an interview with Earthbeat, Mr. Campion said his Catholic faith profoundly informed his climate work.
Locally, SS. Francis and Therese Catholic Worker is hosting a prayer vigil for the hunger strikers November 1: Noon to 1 p.m at Worcester City Hall and the St. Francis statue in the courtyard of St. Paul's Cathedral. Taking this action on All Saints Day is a reminder that our faith calls us to engage in the work of justice continually, as the saints before us have done.
We invite you to join us as we stand in solidarity with the youth of the world and pray for leadership on climate action.
