Cold sunshine
Be patient, trust
Winds whip chilling arms
Where, O where is Spring.
Snowdrops
White against white
Life bursting through crusty covers
Yearning for sun’s comfort
Primrose Explode;
Crimson, yellow, violet
Brilliant amidst the melting snow.
O Spring!
~ Sister Paula Mierle SJ
Creation Canticles: Reflections on the Natural World
Pope Francis began the encyclical, “Laudato Si’ On Care for Our Common Home” describing the human relationship with the earth through images from the hymn “Canticle of the Creatures” by St. Francis of Assisi.
In this hymn, St. Francis invites all his brother and sister creatures—whether minerals, plants or animals—to praise their Creator.
“Our common home is like a sister with whom we share our life and a beautiful mother who opens her arms to embrace us. Praise be to you, my Lord through our Sister Mother Earth, who sustains and governs us, and produces various fruit with colored flowers and herbs.” ~ Pope Francis, 1 Laudato Si’ Encyclical
This reference to the Canticles inspires us to eco-spirituality — a manifestation of the spiritual connection between human beings and the environment.
As we seek transformative eco-spiritual experiences, Grand Rapids Dominican Sisters and Associates began writing poems and reflections. “We start from the witness that ecological spirituality involves a firm inner conviction that God is the source of all creation which is held together by God’s love,” says Sister Mary Ann Barrett OP.
We hope others will enjoy these inspirational messages.