

Eco-Challenge for Ecological Conversion: As part of our commitment to Earth via our Laudato Si’ Action Plan, we are inviting everyone who shares in our charism to explore the spiritual call to ecological conversion with us.
Ever since I was a kid, my favorite place was the woods. I loved walking with my dad in the Jersey Pine Barrens behind our home. And since then I’ve been smitten with forests, woods, swamps, any hiking trail that meanders into the natural world. Now it’s the many nature preserves in my area of the Hudson Valley and the wonderful wilderness of the Adirondack Mountains.
I often ask myself—why? What is the attraction, the allurement, which borders on a magnetic obsession? There are many layers of answers. I experience a special closeness to Creator as I see, touch, hear, and smell the incredible creativity of the natural world. This world is REAL—no pretense here. If I take time to know these neighbors—the pin oak, the yellow warbler, the lady’s slipper, the shelf mushroom—they are always true to their being.
In the woods, beauty and fascination are everywhere—from the pebble to the towering tree. I believe Dostoevsky when he says, “Beauty will save the world.” Beauty definitely has a transforming effect on me. In beauty, I hear the call to gratitude, to attentiveness, to be the best human that I can be. Beauty brings peace. Beauty brings bliss. In beauty I feel the great desire to share this amazing creation with others.
I think it was this beauty, this love affair with creation that led me to studies in the earth literacy master’s degree program at St. Mary of the Woods College, directed by Sister Mary Lou Dolan, CSJ. This program deepened my knowledge and appreciation of the natural world. The thesis project which culminated the master’s degree, and the awesome work of Sister Marion Honors, CSJ inspired my ministry, Encountering Earth.
These presentations that have been woven into retreats and workshops, have allowed me to share my enthusiasm for Earth with many people. This has been a joy, but also an aching in my heart. Because now it is imperative that I also share the devastation that humans are causing and how we are tearing the beautifully woven tapestry of life into shreds. It’s a balancing game to present both the wonder of creation and her destruction. We humans will only save what we love. Bringing attention to the wonder, encouraging gratitude for the gift of creation is the first step in encouraging actions to preserve nature.
I have felt so supported in this ministry by our Congregation’s focus on and participation in so many initiatives—Earth Day, Plastic Free July and Laudato Si. We have worked tirelessly on our Laudato Si Action Plan, on Laudato Si Week and on the Season of Creation. We have networked with others to highlight the urgency of caring for creation.
Of course, there is still so much to be done. I try to have an ongoing ecological conversion about my use of the gifts of Earth, that we call “natural resources”, of my efforts to curb my consumerism that creates so much waste, of my habits of ingratitude. I trust that love of the Creator who is so generous and the support of my community and the many environmental groups I belong to will spur me on in defending the beauty and wonder of our world!
As you reflect on Sister Linda’s observations, let it inspire you to take action.
- Why are you attracted to the natural world?
- Do you agree that “Beauty will save the world”?
- How can we invite others to embrace their gratitude for the gift of Creation?
- Push yourself to find someone with whom you can share your gratitude and bring attention to the wonder of Creation.
I share Lin’s love of nature, and for me, it was born in daily wonder at the majesty of the Rocky Mountains as seen from our home south of Denver. I will never tire of the vistas – be it from Littleton, from the corner of Hampton and Colorado Blvd, or, better still, I 70 into the hills and a special place, Guenella Pass near Georgetown.
The mountains remind me of the grandeur of God and our littleness – in every sense of the word, it’s awesome to gaze on them.
I thoroughly agree with Linda when she says that beauty will save the world. Beauty is found in so many places in nature and nature. Lately I have felt so discouraged by the degradation of nature I see around me and the continuing lack of political will to change the course of this tragedy. But two nights ago I went outside our door and saw a beautiful half moon in a perfect summer sky. “This site” saved my soul and strengthened my hope in the beauty that surrounds me and the God who loves all of us and all creation with such passion. Thank you Linda
I have loved the beauty of the woods since my youth when my mother would tell me about her life in the Dolomite mountains of Austria. My father used to take me for walks in the woods and we would feed the squirrels. Life was simple, quiet and peaceful.
Hermosa y profunda reflexión. Me quedo con la frase ” Los seres humanos solo cuidamos aquello que amamos”. Será que la misma humanidad no se ama así mismo como para no cuidar el hogar donde hemos nacido. Pareciera que el consumismo, está envolviendo en lo más profundo del ser humano y deja de cuidar lo que más ama. Yo vivo en la Ceja de Selva de Perú. El lugar está rodeado de mucho flora verde. Llueve casi todo el año. A pesar de estar rodeado de todo verde, la gente no deja de plantar y eso es de asombrase. También, observó que el mismo gobierno local se preocupa que la gente separe los desperdicios.
La situación no es la misma en las comunidades indígenas. La gente vive de manera sencilla pero, las riberas de los ríos están repleto de basura, mucho plástico. Es hermosísimo contemplar árboles enormes, las aves, los ríos, pero siento tristeza ver mucha basura en casi todas las riberas de los ríos donde viven las comunidades. Quizá solo falta organización, apoyo de autoridad para mover y clasificar los residuos.
Gracias por ayudarnos a seguir reflexionando y comprometernos.