News Archives » sr maxine pohlman ssnd
Extending Our Deepest Gratitude, Hugs & Prayers to Sr. Maxine Pohlman, SSND July 31st, 2025
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.”
With an abundance of gratitude,
Sister Maxine Pohlman, SSND
Students from Zambia Explore “What Is Happening to Our Common Home” June 17th, 2025
(Contributed by Sr. Maxine Pohlman, SSND, Director La Vista Ecological Learning Center)

Fr Chisha chose this as our topic because in Lukulu, Zambia it is common practice to throw plastic bags and bottles on the ground since waste management is not in the picture yet. We discussed the impact of this common practice, and when I mentioned that globally an enormous amount of plastic ends up in rivers and ultimately in the ocean where it breaks down into microplastics and is eaten by fish which are then eaten by humans, the young people resonated. Lukulu is located on the Zambezi River which flows into the Indian Ocean, and fish are an important part of their diet.
When we considered what they could do about plastic pollution, they recalled Fr Chisha encouraging them to take a basket to market as people used to do instead of accepting a plastic bag. Raphel, one of the
participants, decided it was worth looking “old-fashioned”; in addition, if someone comments, he plans on sharing the reason for his behavior! Alice, also a participant, intends to bring this issue to school to see if she can make a difference there. And Fr Chisha has already begun his efforts by creating “The Voice of the Future”, a podcast on environmental issues with parish youth as guests!

(Click on the link to watch their first podcast about plastic: https://www.facebook.com/sanctamaria.mission/videos/451320151375694)
In Laudato Si, Pope Francis asked, “What kind of world do we want to leave to those who come after us, to children who are now growing up?” It was heartening to be with the youth he was concerned about, and it was also encouraging to be with youth and their priest who passionately care for our common home in the spirit of Pope Francis.
(Image 1 L to R: Raphael, Julian, Alice, Father David Chisha, OMI via Zoom)
(Image 2 Photo by Kabwe Kabwe: Pexels)
May – Heartfelt Reflections from OMI Novices, Reflection 4 by Br. Alfred Lungu May 19th, 2025
Introduced by Sr. Maxine Pohlman, SSND, Director, La Vista Ecological Learning Center
This Novitiate year we have been immersed in Pope Francis’ 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 Personal Reflection by Br. Alfred Lungu

It’s not too late to change how we see things. We can build a world that helps all life. What we do affects the Earth and other creatures. Nature and its animals are part of our world too. It’s wrong to treat them like they’re just for us to use (essential commodities). In fact, Pope Francis, calls them “Our brothers and sisters.” It’s upsetting to see how we ignore other species to get rich. If money drives these actions, we need to rethink things.
We all have a job to protect the Earth. It’s not ours forever; future generations will get it. So, we must make a safe and good place for them. If we don’t care for our planet, the damage can’t be fixed.
Everything in creation matters—nature, animals, and people. We must respect all life. Money is important, but we shouldn’t treat other living things like objects to be used and trashed. We need to think about why we’re here and make sure our actions protect the Earth.
- READ E News and Eco-spirituality Calendar NEWSLETTER: https://bit.ly/4iVI0m3
- Visit La Vista Ecological Learning Center‘s Website: https://www.lavistaelc.org/
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)
In mid March, staff from the Illinois Nature Preserves Commission, HeartLands Conservancy and the Habitat Strike Team joined with several of our volunteers for a prescribed burn on 10 acres of the Oblates Woods Nature Preserve.
This crew of 15 spent a long day overseeing a successful burn, which is a maintenance technique restoring health to an ecosystem dependent on fire.
It reaps many benefits such as: removing old vegetation to promote growth of native trees and wildflowers; improving habitat for threatened and endangered species; recycling nutrients back into the soil; consuming excess fuel, reducing threat of wildfires.
Introducing a Champion Tree at the Missionary Oblates Novitiate November 26th, 2024
In September there was buzz around a special champion tree recently discovered on the property at the Missionary Oblates Novitiate.
The Basswood tree was recently nominated as one of Illinois’ largest native trees.
In this video, Sr. Maxine Pohlman, SSND, Director of La Vista Ecological Learning Center introduces us to the tree and explains the selection process.
- Visit the National Register of Champion Trees to find one in your area: https://www.americanforests.org/champion-trees/