Columbans release first album to promote environmental awareness

(Nov. 16, 2011)In Pakistan, the Missionary Society of St. Columban has released its first ever music album to promote a love of the environment, amid increasing concern about worsening pollution in the country The St. Columban Justice, Peace and Integrity of Creation (JPIC) launched the album of “creation songs” recently at a ceremony at Loyola Hall in Lahore. The album, “Geeto Bari Kayanat” or “Song-filled Universe”, includes 10 tracks on themes which include: praising creation, commitment to caring and accepting responsibility for the damage caused to the environment. According to its producers, selecting the appropriate music and songs was the main problem during three years of production. Bishop Sebastian Shah of Lahore, the chief guest, praised the album. “There is a general shortage of eco-spirituality; we are usurping instead of co-existing,” he said, lamenting an apparent lack of concern over environmental issues. A 2010-11 government report says air pollution remains one of the most significant environmental problems in the country. Also, “water resources are under threat due to the discharge of municipal and industrial wastes into rivers,” said the Franciscan bishop.
The Columbans started the JPIC in 2005. It publishes workbooks and organizes seminars on environmental awareness. It is presently conducting a “green corner” project (which involves distributing and planting saplings) in 10 schools to promote gardening among students.