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s Sr. Mary Beth Hamm (left),
Nick Stein (center) and
Congregation Leader
Sr. Rose Marie Jasinski
led a ritual of gratitude
for the trees that had
to be removed due to
disease resulting from
climate change.

by Sr. Mary Beth Hamm, SSJ
Coordinator: Justice, Peace and Integrity of Creation
Congregation of the Sisters of Bon Secours

climate change and prolonged warming temperatures the reader a sacred bond with and affection for Earth.
in our area. While this news evoked such a sense Mary Beth Keenan, a young adult member of the
of sadness, it also prompted us to offer a ritual of JPIC USA Team, was among those who planned
gratitude for the lives of these magnificent trees that and facilitated this event.
have graced our property for decades and provided
shelter, shade and beauty for so many of God’s Another young adult member of the JPIC USA Team,
creatures. Truly, we were compelled “to defend, Ruby Miller, helped plan the Bon Secours 30-Day
protect and celebrate” the gift they had been to us. Plastic Challenge. Each week of September, participants
received an email challenging them to reduce plastic
With the season of creation upon us, the JPIC USA consumption, especially single-use plastics.
Team continued to offer opportunities for us to engage
in ecological spirituality and ecological education through In all these ways, the Sisters of Bon
a virtual book discussion of “Braiding Sweetgrass” by Secours are tapping into the energy
Robin Wall Kimmerer and a Bon Secours 30-Day Plastic of the next generation and benefitting
Challenge. If you are hungry for a life-changing book, from the skills, passion and generosity
“Braiding Sweetgrass” is one you want on your bucket
list. Thirty participants, including seven young adults, of our young adults who so desire
delved into this fantastic book that weaves indigenous “to defend and care for all creation”
wisdom with scientific knowledge and creates within in the spirit of Bon Secours.

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