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VIDEO: JPIC’s Laudato Si’ Action Platform Report II May 22nd, 2023
Caring for our common home is essential to Missionary Oblate’s mission to the poor, because they are the ones most affected by the devastation to the planet.
In this resource we draw on work that was prepared by VIVAT International. In our Laudato Si’ Action Platform II we revisit the commitments we have taken on and ponder what other action steps we might add..
Laudato Si’ Week is May 21 to 28 May 19th, 2023
Act to Make a Difference
Beginning on Sunday, May 21, Laudato Si’ Week is an annual observance to celebrate the anniversary of Pope Francis’ papal encyclical letter, “Laudato Si’: On Care For Our Common Home.” This year’s theme is “Hope for the Earth. Hope for humanity.” Communities are encouraged to respond to the call of Pope Francis through reflection, prayer and action.
To learn more visit this website: laudatosiweek.org
Learn more about Oblate ecological initiatives at La Vista Ecological Learning Center – https://www.lavistaelc.org/ – which offers programs and resources for living consciously.
The Oblates have joined Catholics worldwide in making a congregational commitment to Laudato Si. Click here to view our commitments.
Organized by their GreenTeam, Sacred Heart Parish in Oakland, CA Joined the local Pax Christi & neighboring parishes for an Earth Day clean up. Read the story here.
View part II of OMI JPIC’s Laudato Si Action Platform and watch the video: we revisit the commitments we have taken on and ponder what other action steps we might add.
LAUDATO SI’ WEEK 2023 May 16th, 2023
Laudato Si’ Week: May 21-28, 2023
Laudato Si’ Week 2023 will be celebrated May 21-28 with the film “The Letter” to mark the eighth anniversary of Pope Francis’ landmark encyclical
on care for creation. This global celebration will unite Catholics to rejoice in the progress we have made in bringing Laudato Si’ to life, and show how the protagonists of “The Letter” are already doing so.
The Letter tells the story of a journey to Rome of frontline leaders to discuss the encyclical letter Laudato Si’ with Pope Francis and includes an exclusive dialogue with the Pope.
WATCH the film here: http://www.theletterfilm.org/watch/
LEARN more about Laudato Si’ Week: https://laudatosiweek.org/
La Vista Hosts Inter-Community Novitiate May 11th, 2023
On April 26th La Vista hosted Inter-Community Novitiate Program in St. Louis, MO. The focus was on how ecological restoration projects on the OMI Novitiate land help to preserve biodiversity. There were nine novices and three formators present.
Biomimicry & Learning from the Humble Moss May 2nd, 2023
(Photo courtesy of Thomas Hendele, Pixabay)
By Sr. Maxine Pohlman, SSND
Recently I participated in a Biomimicry Retreat sponsored by Sisters of Earth. Sister Gloria Rivera, our presenter, described biomimicry as learning from and emulating natural forms, processes, and ecosystems to create all kinds of sustainable design and ways of living. She taught us that biomimicry is about valuing nature for what we can learn, not what we can extract, harvest, or domesticate, and in the process, if we listen carefully, we can learn about ourselves and our connection to each other and our home on Earth.
After the first session we were encouraged to take a half hour walk outdoors, paying attention to what offered itself to us. As I hiked uphill from the river through the woods what presented itself to me over and over and over was moss. It was everywhere – all shades of green, fresh and beautiful, on the path, downed trees, even asphalt! I decided that emulating moss would be a great way to live into not only a sustainable future, but a flourishing one. I imagined what mosses might say to us, aware that they have properties we need at this challenging time on Earth:
- We are on rooftops, under your feet, on cement, in streams and on dry rocks of glades. We are comfortable in extreme conditions. Be adaptable!
- We are 350 million years old and have survived and thrived through drastic climate changes. You an do it too.
- You can find us on every continent and in every ecosystem habitable by plants that use sunlight for energy. Renewable energy can also be your way.
- We impact the temperature of soil, warming or cooling it depending on the environment. Use your creativity for the health of our planet.
- We make up a major part of the biodiversity in moist forest, wetland, mountain and tundra ecosystems. Please protect biodiversity.
- We even offer microhabitats where a variety of insects can live, lay their eggs and hunt for food. Find ways to serve animal life.
- We are in no hurry. It may take us 25 years to grow an inch. Slow down and enjoy each day.
- We are never alone; rather, it is our nature to be continuously in contact with other beings, like the ones we grow on. Value the web of life and be in touch.
Maybe you will also take a hike and see what presents itself to you for your emulation. May all of us embrace biomimicry as one hopeful way into a flourishing future!
