Reflecting on the Gift of Earth: An Earth Day Celebration of Creation
On April 22, 2023, the Congregation of Divine Providence Sisters and Associates gathered on a beautiful morning in the Our Lady of the Lake Convent Center (OLLCC) Peace Garden to celebrate Earth Day with a prayer service. It was a moment to reflect on the beauty and wonder of the world we live in, and to commit ourselves to caring for it.
Globally, Earth Day is a special occasion, as people around the world unite in celebrating and raising awareness about the importance of protecting our planet. It is a time for us to honor and appreciate the gifts of life and creation that God has entrusted to us. The celebration was particularly special this year as we recognized Sr. Martha Rose and the other deceased members of the Earth Care Committee. Sr. Martha Rose, in particular, played an instrumental role in the installation and maintenance of the Peace Garden, which has become a beloved and cherished part of the OLLCC.
The prayer service included an introduction and overview by Jackie Walter, recognition of deceased Earth Care Committee Members by Julie Bedson, opening prayer by Sr. Marlene Quesenberry, a reading from the Book of Job by Shanna August, and various prayers led by different Sisters and Associates, including Stella Gonzalez, Sr. Agnes Mary Klar, Sr. Anita Brenek, and Julie Bedson. The attendees prayed for the protection of life and beauty, for the weak and abandoned, and for the world in which we live. OLLU students, dressed in costumes, went around and blessed everyone present with water while Bonnie Abadie led the crowd in singing Peace is Flowing Like a River. The service ended with blessing a memorial stone and flowers, and the closing prayer led by Jackie Walter, asking God to grant fertility to the land and abundant crops.
The group of students from OLLU’s speech and hearing center, who were part of the celebration, have worked in the Peace Garden throughout the year. They were dressed in costumes representing the elements of water, fire, soil, and wind, or could also be interpreted as the seasons of the year. The idea of representing the elements and seasons through costumes was a creative and meaningful way to emphasize the interconnectedness of all things on Earth. It was also a beautiful reminder that creation is an ongoing process, and that we have a responsibility to care for the Earth and all of its inhabitants. It was a memorable experience for the students, who were reminded of the living, changing nature of the Earth, and the gift of creation that continues to evolve and renew itself.
The day was truly exceptional in every way. Birds were singing and chirping. The weather was perfect, bright sunshine and a coolness in the air, with rain coming before but stopping and holding off until the day after the celebration. It was a spiritual experience to be in nature, surrounded by the beauty of creation, and to reflect on the gifts that we have been given. The event was attended by Sisters, Associates, CDP staff, and the broader OLLU community, and had a good turnout with about 70 people in attendance. It was a joyful and contemplative experience, with prayer and ceremony creating an atmosphere that was joyful, and organic, taking on a life of its own beyond what was planned. The group left the ceremony feeling uplifted and grateful for God’s gifts.
As we reflect on Earth Day, we are reminded of the importance of caring for the planet that God has entrusted to us. We are blessed to live in a world that is rich in beauty and wonder, and it is up to us to ensure that it continues to thrive for generations to come. May we always be grateful for the gift of creation, and may we always be inspired to protect and care for it.
The Earth Care committee chairperson, Sr. Frances Lorene Lange, adds “In the spirit of LAUDATO SI and Pope Francis, may we always put emphasis on the environment and our call to address all the problems of climate change.”
Special thanks to our current Earth Care Committee: Ms. Bonnie Abadie, Ms. Shanna August, Ms. Julie Bedson, Sister Anne Michele Berry, Sister Anita Brenek (Council Liaison) Ms. Ana Maria De La Partilla (Associate Liaison), Ms. Yolie Farris, Sister Jane Marie Gleitz, Ms. Stella Gonzalez, Sister Theresa Gossen, Sister Agnes Mary Klar, Sister Frances Lorene Lange (Chairperson of committee), Sister Marlene Quesenberry, Ms. Jackie Walter
Photos taken By Sister Barbara Fry, CDP
Jackie Walter leads the celebration. The Earth Care Committee led by Sister Frances Lorene Lange, CDP Julie Benson unveils memorial stone. Stone honoring Sister Martha Rose Lange, CDP, founder of the Peace Garden. Flowers honoring deceased members of the Earth Care Committee members Students representing Earth, Water, Fire and Wind. Attendees of the celebration are blessed
