Student of the Universe
By Sr. Myra Trainor, O.L.M.
May/June 2010
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The Universe manifests a marvellous diversity of peoples, animals, plants, and other living and non-living things, and our ecological responsibility is to preserve and enjoy this wondrous creation. No one, I believe, had greater appreciation of and sensitivity to our planet, indeed our universe, than the late ecotheologian, Thomas Berry. Some of us OLMs were fortunate enough to attend his lectures in Port Burwell, Ontario, in which he showed his profound scientific knowledge and respect for the Earth. We need to lower our voices, he said, and to listen to the various creatures of the Earth, each telling its own story. Thomas told us that our human story is integral to the destiny of the Earth and our own well being can be achieved only through ensuring the wellbeing of the entire natural world about us.
“Each being in the universe is unique.
Each being gives to the universe something that no other being can provide. Thus the inherent value of each reality. Each leaf is different, as is each snowflake, each flower, each dawn, each sunset. At the human level, each individual seems to be almost a different species.”
Thomas Berry, The Christian Future and the Fate of the Earth
Maryknoll, New York: Orbis Press, 2009
On December 21, 2009, at St. Gabriel’s parish in Toronto, a beautiful memorial service was held to honour the life and work of Thomas Berry. It was a fitting tribute to this humble, dedicated man. He leaves behind him the legacy of his writings outlining his dream for the Earth which will continue to inspire many people for years to come. For our part, we OLMs try to follow his example by a more attentive and respectful relationship with Creation. Our own Sr. Christine Gebel gives symposiums on the values Thomas taught, hoping to spread the good news.
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We, the members of Our Lady’s Missionaries, are totally dependent on the support of family, friends, and other benefactors. We are always grateful for your thoughts and prayers and for the monetary donations we receive from estates, donations in lieu of flowers at the time of a death, parish collections, the Catholic Women’s League and Ladies’ Guild annual donation, and from you who send personal contributions. All donations are tax deductible.
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