by Mindy Hills, Director Dominican Center Marywood at Aquinas College
“Deepen your commitment to living in right relationship with God, one another, and the Earth,” encouraged Sister Sharon Zayak, OP.
On Saturday, June 27, our Congregation welcomed participants for EcoSpirituality: The Heart of the Matter, a day of prayer, reflection, and learning led by Sr. Sharon Zayac OP in Marywood Chapel of the Word.
Together, participants were invited to step away from the busyness of everyday life to rediscover their place within the sacred community of creation and deepen their commitment to living in right relationship with God, one another, and the Earth.
Whether participants came seeking a deeper understanding of ecospirituality, longing for personal renewal, or simply desiring a day of contemplative community, each was welcomed into a space where listening, learning, and transformation could unfold.
Calling for a conversion of mind and heart regarding the essential unity of human life and all creation, Sr. Sharon’s presentation explored both the context and theology of ecospirituality. She invited participants to recognize that the story of creation is inseparable from their own story. Our worldview, spirituality, and way of living are shaped by the stories we embrace, and we are called to reclaim our identity as vital members of the Earth community. Rather than viewing ourselves as caretakers standing apart from creation, we were encouraged to recognize that we belong to creation itself—a sacred web of life that calls us to prayer, study, contemplation, and compassionate action.
Drawing from the wisdom of Pope Francis in Laudato Si’, participants reflected on the profound truth that, “Peace, justice and the preservation of creation are the three absolutely interconnected themes which cannot be separated and treated individually… Everything is related” (Laudato Si’, 92). This vision challenged us to see that caring for our common home is inseparable from working for justice, building peace, and honoring the dignity of every living being. The flourishing of humanity and the well-being of the Earth are woven together in God’s ongoing story of love.
We extend our heartfelt gratitude to Sr. Sharon Zayac for her inspiring leadership, to Sr. Carm Murphy, Jessica Eimer Bowen, the Eco- Spirituality and Neighboring Priority Committees, as well as the Dominican Sisters who volunteered their time, and staff whose generosity brought this meaningful day to life. We are equally grateful to every participant whose presence, openness, and shared reflections enriched our community.
If this day stirred something within you, we invite you to watch for upcoming programs at the Dominican Center that continue to explore the intersection of contemplation, justice, and care for creation. Together, as we seek truth and awaken love, we continue the journey of discovering our place within God’s sacred and interconnected creation.
