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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!

Earth Day Clean Up at Sacred Heart Parish, Oakland, CA May 1st, 2023

Sacred Heart Parish Joined the local Pax Christi & neighboring parishes for an Earth Day clean up

By Fr. Jack Lau, OMI

Earth Day weekend the GreenTeam at SacredHeart had a full day. About 18 people from the parish, Pax Christi and neighboring parishes joined together and picked up over 600 gallons of trash and 150 gallons of compostables.

We afterwards celebrated an Earth Day mass with the parish and visitors. At 6pm we went to the hall for a sustainable vegetarian meal. Seconds and thirds were had. And to complete the day we saw the Papal movie “The Letter”.

A full day for sure and we left full, tired and with deep questions to ponder.

OMI US JPIC Staff, Advisory Committee Meet in Godfrey, Illinois November 18th, 2022

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
George Ngolwe, Associate Director, OMI JPIC
Rowena Gono, Communications Coordinator, OMI JPIC