Friends of the Earth

The 15^th and 16^th of April 2016, marked the Eco-friendly days of the novitiate, in the company of Sr. Santana Pereira and the environment. Well before the course could begin, we were made aware of what it would offer us and what we needed to offer in return so that the course could bear much fruit.

We began on the 15^th morning with the fundamental requirement which would make us open to the two days of animation- becoming aware of ourselves as beings of creation, in whom the breath of life flows. It was really touching to note that things that we often take for granted have so much to teach us, even as routine as the daily morning hymn.

Through a more intense study of the first two chapters of the book of Genesis, we were brought to the awareness that the fundamental truth hidden in these two historical myths is that God is the creator of everything that exists, and that we are not given creation to do with it what we like, but that we are made responsible for creation, for its sustenance and its well-being.

There was something new in store for us when we were asked to spend some time in speaking to the plants. Later on it became known that it is not just an aesthetic practice but that God has something to teach us in every little thing that exists in nature.

The second day began with most of us getting tuned to the rhythm of our breath. A beautifully guided morning prayer followed which included meditating on the connection of ourselves with nature.

Sr. Santana then organized for a Eucharist celebrated in nature presided over by Fr. Ivan Rodrigues who through his homily brought to our awareness that we should turn from our selfish ways and become people totally caring for the environment and one with it. In our own little way we are called to reduce the harm done to the Earth and even be exemplary in rectifying the ecological crisis.

In the afternoon, we raised up ideas of how we will personally and as a community commit ourselves to a more Eco spiritual outlook. With a practical session of gardening and digging a compost pit followed by highlighting the theme of Eco-feminism, the course in nature and with nature came to an end, not to be forgotten or kept as theory in our books but to form a convinced part of our everyday life.

Thanks to Sr. Anelfreda Miranda for this unique learning opportunity given to us and to Sr. Santana for generously availing herself to make us more Eco-friendly and Eco religious of tomorrow.