Have you been with powerhouse of Saints and Popes who care about the Creation?
Twenty-one Catholic faithful gathered to meet, experiencing something refreshing. They brought their friends, husband, wife, fiancé hoping to see what was prepared for them by the Laudato Si' Movement (LSM). People spent time together pondering, listening, learning, sharing and experiencing about the beauty, the gifts, and the challenges of being beloved by God and entrusted to be co-creator of this magnificent world.
We started with a prayer from Fr. Luke, the vicar of the parish hosting the event. We all prayed, and split the participants into six. The six groups were assigned to learn about their eco-saint of the day to ask for their intercession and be as inspired as their saint on loving Creation (including fellow human beings) and caring for all. Each participants were given the opportunity to share in their group using synodal approach, giving voice to everyone about what they like about nature and later on, how they are being invited to care for it or each other. They shared what they have learned from small group to the big group. We were joined by ecological Saints/Pope such as St. Francis, St. Kateri Tekakwitha, St. Hildegard of Bingen, Servant of God Dorothy Day, St. Pope John Paul II, Pope Benedict XVI, and Pope Francis.
To show the love of nature in practical ways, the event mostly optimized the use of natural, reusable, compostable and biodegradable options. The ritual of the earth blessing and seeds helped us to be aware that we are being nourished by the earth.
To reflect on the signs of our time, we watched the movie called "The Letter" by Pope Francis and reflected on our call about its significance. Before ending the retreat, they experienced the beauty of the environment and the beauty of each other's presence. They spent time outside the room where there were trees and a green space reflecting God's Creation.
We had plenty of ways praying, reflecting and finally an invitation on a call to action.
After the "sounds of rain" as a background being played during break time in the retreat, talking about the need for rain in Texas especially in Corpus Christi, and praying for God's Creation, we were blessed to have rain for the next two days. What a blessing to see our Creator's generosity.
Laudato Si' teaches us that addressing the cry of the earth is also addressing the cry of the poor. We are reminded that everything is connected. By being consciencious stewards of God's Creation, we bring love to all, we become the hands and feet of our Creator in the ways that God gives us this time, our borrowed resources and our talents as God's gift, to make it available to all the way the sun and the rain fall on the surfaces without discrimination..
Praised be the Incarnate Word.
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