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f e a t u r e
Caring for Creation
‘‘ I honestly cannot remember a time in my life that I did not
have a dog as part of my world. All of my sweet puppies
have enhanced my life bringing me through all the ups and
downs with their own unique personalities. These included
the silly ones, the sad ones, the crazy ones, the lonely lost
ones. I have had all kinds, many rescued and arriving with
their own baggage, and I believe with all my heart that
they are a special gift from God. They give us a true glimpse
of unconditional love given so freely. I rescued Chloe 12 years
ago when she was approximately 13 months old. She is now
on the last part of her journey, and is funny looking, silly,
loves everyone and is the sweetest dog ever.”
— RAINEY TAYLOR, Sales Manager,
Bon Secours Retreat and Conference Center
Sr. Mary Shimo with her cat, Sandy. s
Bon Secours Retreat and Conference Center Director of Operations
Kevin Cassidy regularly feeds the many species of birds that
visit the Marriottsville campus.
s
‘‘ My first 12 years of early education were with the
Franciscan Sisters in Aston, Pennsylvania. Having
a strong Franciscan spirituality, I love creation
and animals. I see the love of God and God’s
beauty in them.”
8 9
Rainey Taylor with her The life of every living s Vocation Director, USA,
12-and-a-half-year-old
thing is in His hands
rescue dog, Chloe.
Sr. Fran Gorsuch (l) and
and the breath of
Congregation Leader
s
every human being.
— JOB 12:10 with their 12-year-old
Sr. Rose Marie Jasinski (r)
rescue cat, Polly.
‘‘ Creation belongs to God. He loves the whole world,
not just humans. Caring for the planet and everything
in it is beneficial for all people. Becoming a responsible
steward of God’s creation is a work in progress. It is
important that we advocate for environmental justice
with others and remember our physical actions, even
small ones, do make a difference. My family started our
chicken coop in early 2020. The chickens are wonderful
pets; they are curious, funny and, most of all, delighted
when we visit them. They are great for recycling
leftovers. No food goes to waste in our home, and
in return, we get wonderful organic eggs.”
— HAMID ESFANDIARI, Building Engineer,
Bon Secours Retreat and Conference Center
s
Hamid Esfandiari with his chickens.
‘‘ I learned at an early age to respect and care for God’s
creatures. Dogs, in particular, have always been
special to me. They have given me a taste of God’s
faithfulness and unconditional love. We are so fortunate
at Marriottsville to care for, enjoy and share this
creatures. In prayerfully observing them, I have come
holy land inhabited by so many of God’s wonderful
to see that by just being what God created them to be,
they give glory to God. They don’t have to work at it.
got in touch with who God created us to be.”
We do. But maybe it would not be so hard if we truly
— SR. MARY SHIMO, Archivist,
Sisters of Bon Secours, USA — SR. BERNADETTE CLAPS s Sr. Bernadette Claps with Tia,
a therapy dog visiting Marian Hall.