Eco-Spirituality and Connections

A leaf.  A crystal ornament of a dove.  A carved wooden bird.  Hakuna Matata printed on a shawl.  A packet of seeds.  An egg.  What do all these things have in common?  They are symbols of hope.  And it was hope we were searching for on an August weekend spent in a setting that was peaceful, inspiring, and healing.  Some of us traveled thousands of miles; some only a few minutes.   

Flavio Rocha and Kathy Bond, Maryknoll Lay Missioners from Brazil, came to northwest Ohio to conduct a day and half retreat for men and women looking for connection and renewal. Their experience and practices that they have brought to places in South America, they generously shared with us. 

The world is purposeful—God made it that way.  And even when it looks like pieces are breaking off, our faith brings the needed light to experience this world with a new way of seeing, and a new way of connecting. Flavio and Kathy helped us to identify the words that led to a deeper understanding of Eco-Spirituality:  Eco-Spirituality is the mystery of our interconnection with all that God has created. It is the call to stewardship to be in union with nature.

It was through bodywork, meditating, and sharing our common purpose that we increased our awareness of what is right there.

We left with gratitude to Flavio and Kathy for leading us and expressed a hope to stay connected with each other and to return to such holy places that only nature can provide.   

More opportunities to meet and learn about Eco-Spirituality are being offered. Two Greater Los Angeles Affiliates, Kathee Bautista and Esther Nditi, participated in the weekend and created an Eco-Spiritual experience in their region. Their presence was a reminder of how Maryknoll brings people together in very uplifting ways.