THE INTERCONNECTEDNESS OF LIFE

April 26, 2017

The Sisters of Divine Providence “believe that God has created all things, both the material and spiritual. Their observance of the vow of poverty expresses their reverence for creation. It is a commitment on their part to care for created things and to use them responsibly” – Constitution of the Congregation of Divine Providence #35.

Earth Day 2017 was celebrated at Our Lady of the Lake Convent for the sixteenth time on April 21^st. This event was planned over several months by the CDP Earth Care Committee. Its Chair, Sister Frances Lorene Lange, CDP reminded all that the Sisters of Divine Providence (CDP) always take “a day to remember in a very special way that God is the Creator, the Maker of all things and that all the beauties and wonders of nature we have around us are given to us to take care of and that is what we are celebrating today.”

This year’s event included a speaker, Dr. Giselle Luevano, Lead Hydrolic Data Coordinator for the Edwards Aquifer Authority. Her presentation was interspersed with questions about the aquifer, its importance, role and need in our community. The Sisters easily answered every question. Water conservation, care of the earth, the environment, the importance of disposing of trash safely and effectively are normal every day practices that are interconnected in the daily life of the CDP.

A Eucharistic celebration followed in the convent’s Annunciation Chapel. The opening procession included Sisters Lucille Ann Fritsch, Alexia Vinklarek, Theresa Gossen and Annalee Prather who represented the four seasons. Each carried a gift that symbolized what each season brings to every human and living things on Earth:

SPRING presented a plant – a reminder of the countless plants that provide food and beauty and the primary element, soil.

SUMMER presented a lamp reminding all of light and fire without which humans could not function.

FALL presented a jug of water, an essential of life for plants, animals and humans. Its existence is found in humans, animals, plants, wells, rivers, waterfalls, etc.

WINTER presented a bowl of fruit, the substance of life — a contribution to our health and preservation.