Sisters reflect on environment

Annual get-together marked by sharing on saving the earth

By RENATO GANDIA
WCR Staff Writer
Edmonton

That was one of the questions guest speaker Linda Winski asked 54 sisters, who attended the annual assembly of the Council of Women Religious, at the Catholic Pastoral Centre, May 11.

Instead of a straight talk about preserving the earth Winski asked the sisters to reflect and share among themselves about different environmental issues people face in the world.

The day was spent on information, fun activities, moments of reflection and sharing thoughts about preserving the earth.

In her presentation Winski showed a video entitled Keeping the Earth: Religious and scientific perspective on Environment.

The video was divided into five parts: the beginning of creation; the blessing of creatures; human alteration of the biosphere; religious views of stewardship and long-term effects.

After each part was shown, the sisters were asked to take note of different images and issues that affected them.

"It is important we examine ourselves as to what kinds of lifestyle we lead and how well are we being consistent in preserving the earth," Winski told the WCR.

Examining lifestyles involves looking at the choices of things people buy, in terms of clothing, food and other household supplies.

"Do you buy produce that's all coming from the States or do we support local farmers?" Winski asked.

Instead of buying imported produce, Winski recommends growing some in people's own backyards. "It's really important because it gets us back in touch with the earth," she said.

"We're part of an organic whole and everything is precious and sacred." - Sr. Margaret MacLean

"Are we paying attention to the environment when we put on gatherings? Are we sensitive to the fact that we should be making a choice for using real utensils and not styrofoam cups that we throw away after?" These are some of the other questions the assembly asked.

Winski also mentioned about conscientious and intelligent use of water in different households and even use of paper at the workplace.

"We should also support any government and other agencies' actions around the issue of preserving the earth," Winski said.

In between reflection and sharing, the sisters did some simple things like painting rocks.

"It was a fun activity to get us back in touch with the earth, to allow for the expression of creativity," said Winski.

At the beginning of the assembly Sister Marion Garneau , of Sisters of Charity of Immaculate Conception, led the sisters in prayer using the Genesis account of creation and a text on the reverse of creation.

Said Sister Margaret MacLean, another Sister of Charity of the Immaculate Conception, "We're all called to live interdependently with all of the universe."

She believes each of the elements in the universe is ordained by God for a purpose. "We're part of an organic whole and everything is precious and sacred."

Communicating such truth to others begins with oneself, MacLean said.

"I have to see how God invites me to live here as a part of it, to be respectful of myself so that I can offer respect and be hospitable to all of God's creatures."

From the video, MacLean likes the idea of conservation as con-service, being called to be of service with the earth.

"I think fundamentally it has to be about relationship. How am I in relationship with myself, with the people who make up the parts of my daily life and with the universe, without which we can't live?"

Ursuline Sister Louisa Brost, affirmed what the video said: "Every song of every creature is important."

"I saw here the need to challenge different institutions to preserve the earth and be good to the earth. I think it's a good reminder for us and to be stimulated to think this way. The purpose for doing this today is to stimulate ourselves. We are public figures and we have to have some input on the issue."

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