(By Maurice Lange, Justice & Peace Director at Presentation Sisters & founder of the Oblate Ecological Initiative)
Happy late Summer! As we approach the end of August, the annual Season of Creation is nearly here.
So that we may grow in our care for God’s Creation, we join with other Christians and people of goodwill in observing the Season of Creation which begins September 1 and runs through October 4. Pope Leo has written a letter regarding this Season and for the World Day of Prayer for Creation on September 1.
I have pondered Leo’s letter for 2025. The theme for this year (chosen by Pope Francis) is “Seeds of Peace and Hope.” I see that Pope Leo’s prophetic words can be divided into nine areas for reflection. Therefore, I’ve composed a series of 9 NEW Reflections for this Season of Creation.
This first Reflection serves to prepare us for this Season, and is meant for these upcoming days August 25-31
“Hope would have us recognize that…we can always redirect our steps.” (Laudato Si #61)
READ: 1st part of Pope Leo’s letter for the 2025 Season of Creation
REFLECTION: “…the promise of new beginnings…”. In this, the first letter from Pope Leo for a Season of Creation, he invites us to ponder the unexpected. In examining the theme for this year as chosen by Pope Francis, I’m struck by various parts of the phrase “Seeds of Peace and Hope”. Throughout the next several weeks we’ll be examining this theme along with each segment of Pope Leo’s letter.
Leo is probably still pondering the unexpected himself as he has come to know this in his life quite well! During this Season of Creation: what unexpected seeds of peace and hope may be germinating in unlikely places around us?
ACTION: The Season of Creation begins September 1 and continues through October 4. Procure and keep a Season of Creation journal. You may wish to journal about the implications of sowing and caring for seeds of peace and hope. Notice blue “bachelor button” flowers blooming along roadsides this month!
“(Ecological) education plants seeds when we are young, and these continue to bear fruit throughout life.” (LS #213)
Visit the Presentation Sisters, US Province’s WEBSITE
READ MORE OF MAURICE’S WEEKLY REFLECTIONS
COMING SOON – Week 2: 2025 Season of Creation Reflection
We congratulate Sr. Maxine on her retirement after 20+ years shepherding the Oblate La Vista Ecological Ministry in Godfrey, Illinois.
IN HER OWN WORDS:
As some of you may already know, I am transitioning from this ministry at La Vista Ecological Learning Center into the future, I want to paraphrase my favorite John Burroughs’ quote. I begin with his words:
“If I had my life to live over again and I had my choice of celestial bodies, I am sure I should take this planet, and I should choose these men and women for my friends and companions. This great rolling sphere with its sky, its stars, its sunrises and sunsets, and with its outlook into infinity – what could be more desirable? What more satisfying?…one might ransack the heavens in vain for a better or more picturesque abode”.
And now, my version:
“If I had my life to live over again, and I had my choice of ecological ministries, I am sure I should pick La Vista Ecological Learning Center, and I should choose these many faithful volunteers, passionate participants, and responsive eNews readers for my friends and companions. The novitiate land with its vista from the bluffs, with its Nature Preserve and Pollinator Garden; this office with its memories of innumerable discussion groups, programs and meetings, where is there a more desirable place? The opportunity to work with the JPIC Office Team led by Fr Séamus Finn, OMI to teach and learn with OMI novices from around the world, and to connect with so many Oblate priests and brothers, what could be more enriching and satisfying? Marking each season for twenty years with equinox and solstice celebrations, what could be more grounding and enjoyable? I might ransack our rare and precious planet in vain for a better ministry and more wonderful colleagues.”
The Fourth International Conference on Financing for Development (FfD4) took place in Sevilla, Spain from 30 June – 3 July 2025. The conference was the culmination of a yearlong process to renew the financing framework for achieving the United Nations (UN) 2030 Agenda and the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs).
It brought together political and financial leaders, representatives of multilateral and regional institutions, civil society and academia to seek solutions to the development financing challenges threatening the achievement of sustainable development, especially in the countries of the global South.
Fr. Daniel LeBlanc, OMI joined VIVAT International and other civil society groups in critical discussions on transforming economic systems that perpetuate inequality.
(PHOTOS: courtesy of VIVAT International )
LEARN MORE:
SOUTH CENTRE: https://bit.ly/4lNcuII. — Renewed Financing Framework for Sustainable Development is adopted in Sevilla
VIVAT INTERNATIONAL: https://bit.ly/3GB80ps — Seville 2025: A Turning Point for Global Development Finance
“We want to welcome Br. François Balga Goldung, OMI to the OMI Laudato Si Action Platform team and to celebrate his work and his garden while he is studying theology in Manila, Philippines.
We are excited to learn about his commitment to caring for the planet, his ecological conversion and his work to apply the recommendations of the encyclical Laudato Sí in his local community.”
From November 10 to 11 the OMI JPIC Committee had its first hybrid meeting since the Covid-19 pandemic. The in-person venue was the historic Immaculate Heart of Mary Novitiate in Godfrey, IL.
The group meets twice a year to discuss JPIC’s work and exchange ideas. Meeting discussions centered on JPIC’s socially responsible investing efforts, integrity of creation initiatives through LaVista Ecological Learning Center, the 2021-2023 Synod, and Economy of Francesco, an initiative of Pope Francis that engages young people in dialogue about “a different kind of economy that better respects humanity and nature.”
The group also paused to tour the grounds of the newly renovated novitiate, visiting the LaVista Garden and lodge, which sits on the bluff overlooking the Mississippi River.
The US JPIC Advisory Committee is a mix of Oblates and laypersons passionate about issues of justice, economic development and ecology. They serve as a sounding board for the office. Full list of JPIC Committee and office staff:
Dr. Victor Carmona, Chair, Assistant professor of Theology and Religious Studies, University of San Diego
Ms. Patti Radle, Co-Director, Inner City Development
Fr. Daniel LeBlanc, OMI, Associate, International JPIC Office and Oblate UN Representative
Sr. Maxine Pohlman, SSND, Director, La Vista Ecological Learning Center
Mr. Gary Huelsmann, Chief Executive Officer, Caritas Family Solutions
Mrs. Mary O’Herron, Former OMI JPIC Staff & Honorary Oblate of Mary Immaculate
Fr Emmanuel Mulenga, OMI, Pastor, St. Augustine Church
Fr. Séamus Finn, OMI, Director, OMI JPIC & Chief of Faith Consistent Investing – OIP Investment Trust
The Fourth International Conference on Financing for Development (FfD4) took place in Sevilla, Spain from 30 June – 3 July 2025. The conference was the culmination of a yearlong process to renew the financing framework for achieving the United Nations (UN) 2030 Agenda and the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs).
LEARN MORE:
