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May – Heartfelt Reflections from OMI Novices, Reflection 2 May 8th, 2025
Introduced by Sr. Maxine Pohlman, SSND, Director, La Vista Ecological Learning Center
Ecological Encounter by Br. Michael Katona
May – Heartfelt Reflections from OMI Novices May 1st, 2025
Introduced by Sr. Maxine Pohlman, SSND, Director, La Vista Ecological Learning Center
La Vista joins all those on our planet who are feeling the great loss of Pope Francis who heard the cry of the earth and the cry of the poor and acted on what he heard in a most remarkable way.
This Novitiate year we have been immersed in his words as they come to us in his encyclical Laudato Si. As we ended our time together here at Immaculate Heart of Mary Novitiate in April, the Novices offered to share their thoughts about ecological conversion as described in Laudato Si. May their words honor the memory of Pope Francis.
A Dialogue with Earth by Edwin Silwimba
Over the past seven months at La Vista Ecological Learning Center through the classes we had with
Sister Maxine, I had an opportunity to talk to Earth and learn from Earth how to care for him/her better, how to love him/her and how to be a better steward for the gifts Earth gives me. The task is to carry this enlightenment to wherever I go in my ministry as a Missionary Oblate of Mary immaculate. My article is written in the form of a personal conversation between Edwin and Earth.
Edwin: I feel different now. I mean… I will see you differently. For the longest time, I looked at you from afar; your trees, rivers, animals, beautiful, yes, but distant. I never really heard your voice.
Earth (smiling): And now?
Edwin: Now I hear your sighs when I walk on dry, cracked soil. I feel your joy in birdsong and your grief in polluted skies. Seven months ago, I wouldn’t have noticed. But La Vista Ecological Learning Center changed me.
Earth: Tell me about it. What did they teach you?
Edwin: They taught me to pay attention to listening with more than just ears. I learned how ecosystems breathe together like a single body. I learned about sustainability, conservation, native plants, and waste reduction. But more than facts, they taught me relationships. That I’m not outside of you… I’m part of you.
Earth (gently): And you came all the way from Zambia for this?
Edwin (with a smile): Yes. I came from the heart of Africa, where the soil is red and warm, where the rain nourishes maize fields, and where I played barefoot as a child. I loved you then, but I didn’t know how deep that love could go. I didn’t know how much you needed me to care for them with intention.
Earth: You’ve always belonged to me, but now you’ve chosen to belong with me, and that’s different.
Edwin: Exactly. Stewardship isn’t just about duty anymore. It’s about kinship. I’ve started seeing my small daily actions as seeds. What I throw away, what I plant, how I use energy, it all speaks to how I love you.
Edwin (nodding): Yes. That’s what Laudato Si’ says, right? “Our common home is like a sister with whom we share our life and a beautiful mother who opens her arms to embrace us.”
Earth (softly): I have always been both sister and mother. And yet many forget.
Edwin: I was one of them. But now, I’ve begun to see you not just as ‘environment,’ but as a sacred presence. I’ve stopped asking, “What can I take?” and started asking, “How can I give back?”
Earth: Then you are living integral ecology where care for creation is one with care for people and with the life of the spirit.
Edwin: Yes. I still have much to learn, but I know now that to be a good steward is to walk humbly, love deeply, and act wisely. Now I’ll plant consciousness with a new heart. I want to share what I’ve learned with my brothers, my community. I want to walk more gently and help others see that you are not just a backdrop to our lives, but a sacred companion.
Earth (softly): That is enough to begin healing.
Edwin: Thank you, Earth for your patience. For never giving up on us.
Earth: And thank you for listening.
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Earth Day 2025: Power Up for the Planet April 22nd, 2025
(Contributed by: Bishop Michael D. Pfeifer, OMI, Bishop Emeritus of the Diocese of San Angelo)
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Tuesday, April 22, 2025, is the 55th anniversary of Earth Day. Everyone is invited to support, to study and reflect on Earth Day’s 2025 theme – Our Power, Our Planet. There are many ways to make a difference for our planet on Earth Day and every day. Join millions worldwide in Earth Day 2025 activities.
Attend a local event or plan and register your own. Earthday.org mentions several resources such as quizzes, fact sheets, articles and more to help us celebrate Earth Day this year in our homes and communities, at work and at school.
We are invited to act now to make smart powerful energy choices at a family level and community level and demand rapid renewable energy deployment from your governments, industries, schools and businesses.
Happy #EarthDay! 🌎🌳💚🌱 💚
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Faith Meets Sustainability: Discussion With Fr. Séamus Finn, OMI & Br. Thomas Marchetti, OMI April 10th, 2025
Strengthening the Mission: OMI JPIC Committee Spring Meeting April 10th, 2025
On March 28th the OMI JPIC Committee convened its 2025 Spring Meeting. The group meets twice a year to discuss JPIC’s work and exchange ideas.
Discussions centered on JPIC’s socially responsible investing efforts, integrity of creation initiatives through LaVista Ecological Learning Center, and supporting Oblate initiatives in caring for the planet.
- Dr. Victor Carmona Chair, Assistant professor of Theology and Religious Studies, University of San Diego
- Ms. Patti Radle, Co-Director, Inner City Development
- Mr. Gary Huelsmann, Chief Executive Officer, Caritas Family Solutions
- Ms. Mary O’Herron, Former OMI JPIC Staff & Honorary Oblate of Mary Immaculate
- Fr. Daniel LeBlanc , OMI, Associate, International JPIC Office and Oblate UN Representative
- Fr. Valentine Talang , OMI. OMI Bangladesh
- Sr. Maxine Pohlman, SSND, Director, La Vista Ecological Learning Center
- Fr. Ray John Marek, OMI, Council Liaison to JPIC Committee, Sacred Heart Church
- Fr. Séamus Finn, OMI, Director, OMI JPIC & Chief of Faith Consistent Investing – OIP Investment Trust
- Ms. Rowena Gono, Communications Coordinator, OMI JPIC
