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The Oblate Ecological Initiative
The Oblate Ecological Initiative is a ministry of the United States
Province of the Missionary Oblates of Mary Immaculate, a world-wide
congregation of priests and brothers dedicated to bringing the Good News
to the poor and most abandoned. The Ecological Initiative is part of the
ongoing effort of the Congregation to respond to the priority of
Justice, Peace and the Integrity of Creation. In the spirit of Eugene de Mazenod, the founder of the Oblates, this
ministry calls forth that which lies deepest within us. First we ponder,
"What does it mean to be fully human in a continually emerging
Universe?" This leads to further reflection: "What does it mean to be a
person of faith in a continually emerging Universe?" In response, the
Initiative explores Creation's Integrity and offers a deepened sense of
connection with the Cosmic Christ. Its publication,
La Vista Visions, is published four
times a year.
The
La Vista Ecological Learning Center is located on the grounds of
the Missionary Oblates of Mary Immaculate in Godfrey, Illinois, about 45
minutes north of St. Louis, Missouri. It educates for deeper ecological awareness, contemplates the ongoing sacred story of the Universe, and celebrates Earth’s seasonal cycles.
For information on programs and retreats, please visit:
www.lavistaelc.org
The Oblate Ecological Initiative seeks not only to educate Oblates and
others in the area of ecological awareness, but also to ground them in
the Sacred Story of all Creation. In response to this mission, the
Initiative has two components: an ecological learning center and a
community supported garden project.
Through seasonal celebrations, retreats and Earth Literacy programs at
the La Vista Ecological Learning Center,
participants learn of both the wonder and the fragility of Earth. We
explore a practical lifestyle based on a mutually enhancing human-Earth
relationship. Our desire is people can return to their communities both
living and teaching awareness of Creation's Integrity.
Flowing from the Ecological Learning Center is the
Community Supported Garden at La Vista.
This locally grown, organic food
source provides a solution to our ever-growing separation not only from
Earth, but also from each other and our food supply. The community
supported garden shareholders, a small family farmer and the land are
brought into covenant on a parcel of the Oblate ground in Godfrey, IL.
Together, what wonderful nourishment can be harvested from this effort
toward an ecologically and economically sustainable model of
interdependence and inter-communion!
Oblate Ecological Initiative
4300 Levis Lane
Godfrey, IL 62035
618-466-5004
www.lavistaCSA.org
www.lavistaELC.org |
