Celebrating Earth Day from Home

Today is the 50th anniversary of the worldwide recognition of Earth Day. Although it may be difficult for us to feel celebratory under the restrictions of the Coronavirus pandemic, we can still be thankful for the little corner of the earth that we call home. As you’re able, make time to take in the beauty of the sky above, feel of the grass beneath you and sound of the breeze around you. If the weather inhibits you, take in the view from a window or browse through beautiful images of God’s creation on your computer. We look forward to the day when we can enjoy the beauty of the outdoor sacred space at the Center with you too. Please take a quiet moment to pray with us.

The Beauty of Nature

O God, we thank you for this earth, our home;
For the wide sky and the blessed sun,
For the salt sea and the running water,
For the everlasting hills
And the never-resting winds,
For trees and the common grass underfoot.
We thank you for our senses
By which we hear the songs of birds,
And see the splendor of the summer fields,
And taste of the autumn fruits,
And rejoice in the feel of the snow,
And smell the breath of the spring.
Grant us a heart wide open to all this beauty;
And save our souls from being so blind
That we pass unseeing
When even the common thorn bush
Is aflame with your glory,
O God our creator,
Who lives and reigns forever and ever.

– Walter Rauschenbusch

The Retreat & Conference Center is a ministry of the Sisters of Bon Secours. The care for God’s creation is a mission of the sisters and you can learn more about their actions here.