April 22 is Earth Day! Good Shepherd Sisters in Quezon City join the worldwide celebration of Earth Day.
First celebrated 40 years ago, Earth Day, has drawn more people together as the world is now in peril owing to climate change and other enviromental issues.
This year's celebration, organizers say, can be a turning point to advance climate policy, energy
efficiency, renewable energy and green jobs. "Earth Day Network is
galvanizing millions who make personal commitments to sustainability.
Earth Day 2010 is a pivotal opportunity for individuals, corporations
and governments to join together and create a global green economy.
Sr. Maureen Catabian RGS of the Women Justice Peace and Integrity of Creation (WJPIC) Office of the congregation said thatGood Shepherd Sisters join the more than one billion people in 190 countries that are taking
action for Earth Day.
During morning praise, Sisters gathered in front of the Good Shepherd Chapel carrying various musical instruments, most of them made of indigenous materials, and at the sound of the gong, each played the instrument as a call to celebration and worship.
The prayers echoed a people's gratitude to God for creation:
With you is the source of life O God,
You are the beginning of all that is,
From your life the fire of the rising sun streams forth
You are the lifeflow of creation's rivers
The sap of blood in our veins
Earth fecundity
The fruiting of the trees, creatures birthing
The conception of new thought, desire's origin
All these are of you O God, and I am of you
You are the evening's rest in home-ing time.
(From Celtic Psalter)
The four elements: earth, fire, water and air were blessed. Each element's representation was carried by sisters from Myanmar and as they elements were lifted up, those gathered blessed with the movements of hands and bodies.
The "Reflection from the Gospel of John - An Easter Encounter" by Philip Newell, was read. It asked questions that called for response from every individual. Where are you? Where are we? Where are we in the most important relationships of our lives? Where are we in the most important community?
The intercessions during morning prayers called on the earth, the mountains, the forests, all the creatures of the earth, the foundresses and all the great women, our ancestors and friends and God to teach and show each one the way to better care for the earth and all of creation.
The final gesture of honoring the earth was the EARTH WALK from the garden to the chapel with the Earth and the Four Elements carried by sisters and with everybody playing the musical instruments during the procession.
A Mass of Thanksgiving followed.