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Preserving Nature: Ecosystem Restoration in Action at Oblates Woods Nature Preserve March 18th, 2025
(Contributed by Sr. Maxine Pohlman, SSND, Director La Vista Ecological Learning Center)
Reflection on January’s Ecological Conversion Field Trip with OMI Novices February 10th, 2025
We visited a most unusual building to learn about about another aspect of ecological conversion; from throwaway construction to a life-sustaining built environment. The National Great Rivers Research and Education Center in East Alton, Illinois is LEED Gold certified, so it has demonstrated commitment to sustainable practices; for example, all the materials to build it were sourced within 500 miles and recycled materials were used throughout the construction including 100% recycled material in the rubber floor tiles, in the glass countertops, insulation made from recycled newspaper and paper, and 90% of construction-related waste was recycled.
Our tour guide Erica proved to be a marvelous educator, not only teaching about the building, but also helping us to understand the research and conservation outreach mission of the Center. In the picture above, Erica explained a project she created: kits for classrooms that contain tools and activities to teach youth about our living landscape. So, we learned about yet another aspect of ecological conversion: from treating landscape as static scenery to engaging with it as it changes and supports a range of wildlife, where plants and animals interact, functioning as a thriving ecosystem.
We continued our education on the green roof which grows native plants familiar to us on the bluff top at the Novitiate. In the photo Erica is explaining the roof’s construction which is made up of many layers and is handicap accessible! With its green roof, native landscaping and limestone walls, the building complements the surrounding environment, minimizing visual intrusion on the landscape.
In Laudato Si, Pope Francis encouraged “the construction and repair of buildings aimed at reducing their energy consumption and levels of pollution.” We were impressed with this example of green building as it shows one way to a sustainable future.
Friends & Community Gather at Three Part Harmony (3PH) Farm’s Annual Fall Festival November 5th, 2024
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- Preparing garlic for planting
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- Preparing garlic for planting
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- Fr. Séamus Finn, OMI prepares garlic for planting
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- Gail Taylor, Proprietor & Farmer of Three Part Harmony & Fr. Séamus Finn, OMI find rest under a tree
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- Janice Cooke (middle) poses with friends
Final – 2024 Season of Creation – “To Hope & Act with Creation” October 1st, 2024
(By Maurice Lange, current Justice & Peace Director at Presentation Sisters & founder of the Oblate Ecological Initiative)
Reflection #7: September 29 – October 3
READ:
7th part of Pope Francis’ letter for the 2024 Season of Creation (next page) “The Spirit of God has filled the universe with possibilities and therefore, from the very heart of things, something new can always emerge.” (Laudato Si #80)
REFLECTION:
Constant accompaniment. That’s the abiding nature of the Holy Spirit. Pope Francis has continually referred to the Spirit throughout his message for this Season of Creation. In this time of polarization, what could ever come along to “radically change the way we think”? Francis writes that such a change would result from our listening to (“obedience to”) the Holy Spirit. We are called to leave behind “arrogant, intoxicated” notions of
(Image by Gerd Altmann from Pixabay)
ourselves, relating to Creation as “predators”. It would be radical to think of ourselves in the West instead as “tillers”. Can we avail ourselves to “the link between matter & spirit” that physics is revealing for us? My sense is: within that link is precisely the constant accompaniment of the Spirit. In response to such abiding, why not listen…and till?
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ACTION: Listen to the Spirit … heed your “ecological vocation”. * Encourage and evoke the same from others. Why not become an ecological vocation director?! As far as tilling goes (working with Earth) … have some first-hand, conscious, direct (not virtual) experience of Earth this week: dig into actual soil, prepare a meal of mostly locally-grown foods, take a hike and feel the leaves of Autumn…
“Holy Spirit, by your light you guide this world towards the Father’s love and accompany creation as it groans in travail. You also dwell in our hearts and you inspire us to do what is good. Praise be to you!” (Laudato Si 2nd closing prayer #246)
Week 3 – 2024 Season of Creation: “To Hope & Act with Creation” September 18th, 2024
(By Maurice Lange, current Justice & Peace Director at Presentation Sisters & founder of the Oblate Ecological Initiative)
Reflection #3: September 2 – 7
READ: 3rd part of Pope Francis’ letter for the 2024 Season of Creation (below)
REFLECTION:
(Image by Almeida from Pixabay)
Hope. I ponder that with all the pushback Pope Francis has received, what he writes about hope in this Season of Creation is not removed from his own personal journey – with hope connoting: “remaining steadfast amidst adversity” and “not losing heart” in troubling times.
His reflection on hope leads Francis to ponder a medieval visionary who, despite violent times, proposed a new spirit of coexistence among peoples. Francis’ further writes that his own call for universal social harmony in Fratelli Tutii needs to be extended to Creation.
As such, Fr. Thomas Berry, the great, recent visionary, does not lose heart in setting forth the Ecozoic Era: a time of where humans and the rest of the natural world are mutually enhancing.
Let us choose life, then, so that we and the descendants of all species shall live. (cf Deuteronomy 30:19)
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ACTION: I encourage you to remain steadfast…and even take on a new layer of hope. Each day this week sit with Thomas Berry as he illustrates the Ecozoic Era.
“Human life is incomprehensible and unsustainable without other creatures…” (Laudate Deum #67)
