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Celebrating the Summer Solstice on the Bluffs! June 28th, 2012
Each year, the Oblate Ecological Initiative celebrates the Summer Solstice – the longest day of the year, when the sun is at its farthest point north of the equator.
This event is an opportunity to welcome the summer season and to heal our separation from the Earth by immersing ourselves in the heavens and the natural world. The OEI celebration connected the participants in many ways:
Viewing the prominences on the sun through solar scopes provided by two local astronomers
Photographs of the Sun!
Participating in a scavenger hunt that taught ecological principles. For example, they were to find something that eats the sun, something that is not connected to anything else (trick question), and evidence of the presence of animal life
Marking the change of season with a ritual "turning of the sun staff" by our youngest participant who has had this honor for many years!
Sharing food - watermelon and herbal drinks made from fennel and mint growing near the OEI office.
OEI Earth Literacy Group Views a Wonder of the Universe June 8th, 2012
The June 2012 Earth Literacy group at the Oblate Ecological Initiative was able to see the rare Venus transit with the help of local astronomers. After June 2012, the next pair of transits occurs on December 11, 2117 and December 8, 2125.
The OEI Earth Literacy Group, June 2012, Godfrey, Illinois
Oblate Organic Community Supported Garden Lauded in Local Press February 14th, 2011
The Oblate-supported organic garden in Godfrey, Illinois has received a nice write-up in The Telegraph, Alton, Illinois’ local paper. Now in its 9th year, the CSA at Godfrey continues to provide its share owners and a local food bank with bountiful supplies of fresh, organic fruits and vegetables. The CSA shareholders and core team are committed to preserving the land, educating people about the health benefits of eating produce grown in a sustainable manner and the ecological benefits of eating locally.
The garden regularly over-produces, ensuring leftover produce to take to local food pantries, which fulfills its other mission – to help feed the poor. La Vista also offers 10 to 12 community outreach shares at a discounted price to low-income members of the community.
Read the article (Download PDF)
Oblate US JPIC Committee Gathers in Godfrey, Illinois October 19th, 2009
US JPIC Committee Members and Staff Visit the Shed Dedicated to Darrell Rupiper, OMI on the Community Supported Agriculture Project at Godfrey, IL
On October 15 and 16, the United States Province Oblate Justice, Peace and Integrity of Creation (JPIC) committee held a bi-annual strategy meeting in Godfrey, Illinois to review, share progress and discuss how to continue the JPIC work most effectively. Part of the agenda included brief updates from staff from the Washington JPIC office, the Oblate Ecological Initiative based in Godfrey and the General Service office in Rome. Committee members also reported on their JPIC work.
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