“I pledge allegiance to the Earth and to the flora, fauna and
human life that it supports, one planet, indivisible, with safe air,
water and soil, economic justice equal right and peace for all.”
The initial spark for the Maryknoll Ecological Sanctuary began after a devastating earthquake struck the Philippines in 1990. In those 45 seconds, the Maryknoll Sisters convent and school that were constructed in the 1920s in Baguio were reduced to rubble. Sr. Ann Braudis was sent to oversee the clearing of the ruins. With the 1990 Maryknoll Sisters’ General Assembly fresh in her mind stating, “We believe our mission response is to reverence the sacredness of creation (and) to articulate a contemporary mission spirituality to respond to the cry of the cosmos,” inquiries with neighbors on “how the Sisters might best help meet their urgent needs” (Pruitt, “Respecting web of life”), and knowledge of “the encroaching deforestation of the unique Luzon tropical pine forest,” an inspired idea began to take shape.
The above words appear on a rock along the nature trail in the Maryknoll Ecological Sanctuary in Baguio, Philippines. What wonderful words to contemplate and affirm on Earth Day 2025. With these words in mind, let us renew our promise to the Earth and all manifestations of creation. Let us be better in the ways we care for and nurture all that is living. Let us work to fix the damage we have done to our planet and strive to stop continued transgressions. Let us take a moment to breathe in the beauty that surrounds us and recognize and reflect on how lucky we are to have this amazing gift.
With this idea forming in her mind, Sr. Ann met with Dr. Manahan of Planning Resources and Operations Systems, Inc. (PROS) and “the encounter immediately struck a common note of understanding about ecology, creation and humanity[.] […]That was the beginning of the fruitful relationship that build the Maryknoll Ecological Sanctuary” (PROS, 1997)
At the end of this construction process, “[t]hey founded the Maryknoll Sisters’ Center for Justice, Peace and Integrity of Creation, an ecological sactuary of 2.8 hectares of pine forest, gardens and an area dedicated to biodynamic cultivation whose principal objective is to offer educational activities about taking care of the earth” (Aquije, “The Cosmic Journey”). The functions of the Maryknoll Ecological Sanctuary are multifaceted. Below you will see text from different articles written over the years explaining what the center offers, as well as imagery that captures the conservation area that has been cultivated.
“The Sanctuary promotes sustainable development in harmony with Mother Earth’s fundamental processes. It aims to create a change in the way people view their relationships with their environment. Four value formation features are used in fostering the objective of the Sanctuary:
– A holistic approach to education using contemporary scientific understandings
– Religious insights for reverence to nature, just relationships and environmental responsibility
– Improvement of lifestyles through sustainable income generating activities
– Establishment of ecological refuge for the conservation and offer protection of old growth pine trees and other endemic botanical materials in the site”
~ PROS, 1997
“The Sisters and lay leaders conduct retreats and seminars on sustainable development and workshops on community organizing for miners, laborers and landless farm families.
They also teach by showing. On their property they have planted an extensive herb garden for medicinal uses.”
~ Respecting web of life by Sr. Jean Pruitt, MM
“Our Center offers seminars and retreats, integrated with rituals and art as meditation. Some of the subjects covered are: New Cosmology, Creation Spirituality, Global Warming, Ecological Solid Waste Management, Eco-feminism, and others geared to different groups.”
~ One With All That Is by Sr. Margarita Jamias
“The major activities placed on the site are categorized as people-movement areas and non-movement spaces. The first permits dynamic activities, while the other allows for relaxation, meditation and rest. As the exterior space necessitated a series of directions, powerfully energized objects and termini were introduced. Out of these precepts and concepts, the following features characterize the Maryknoll Ecological Sanctuary:
– Parks and Nursery Areas
– Circulation Network and Open Spaces
– Picnic and Lookout Areas
– Handicraft Producation Area
– Meditation Areas
– Cosmic Journey
– Bioshelter
– Ruins and the Observation Deck”
~ PROS, 1997
“The garden sanctuary is arranged with a 14-station trail designed to allow visitors to reflect on the breadth and depth of God’s universe. Known as the ‘Cosmic Journey,’ the walk is a key part of the Maryknoll Ecological Sanctuary and is described as ‘a nature walk of play and discovery into earth’s deep interconnectedness.'”
“Through the ‘Cosmic Journey’ and drawing on science and faith, the Maryknoll Sisters hope to change hearts and minds about caring for creation, especially for the younger generation.”
~ The Cosmic Journey by David Aquije
To learn more about the Maryknoll Sisters’ “Cosmic Journey” at the Maryknoll Ecological Sanctuary, click on the title to read this article by Sharon Abercrombie titled “Stations of the Cosmos.”
What a beautiful way to answer the Earth’s call with the Maryknoll Ecological Sanctuary! Now as you begin to contemplate, on this Earth Day, the deep interconnectedness we share, let me offer you a place to start. In a paper written by Sr. Rose Marie Cecchini called “Mother Earth: Nurturer of Life,” she invites us to look at Mother Earth as our foremost teacher:
“So, how do we allow Mother Earth and Creation to be revelatory? How can we work to respect and receive the gifts of Creation as wondrous trusts that reveal the Creator rather than simply as materials to be exploited? How do we reflect love and care for Earth, as faithful stewards in our covenant relationship with God?
One way, I suggest, is to become increasingly attentive to Mother Earth as our primary teacher, for we have much to learn from her. She is the first to teach us boundless, all-inclusive generosity, providing for all creatures what is essential for life. Her sacred body and soil nurtures the growing plants, herbs, trees and forests. Her sacred life blood, the oceans, aquifers, rivers and streams, provide living waters that sustain all life. Her sacred atmosphere and winds purify the air that provides breathe for all living beings. Mother Earth is also our primary teacher of beauty and creativity, as our childhood senses are awakened by the breathtaking beauty of her landscapes, diverse colors and shapes of flowers, multicolored butterflies, shape-shifting cumulus clouds sailing across a brilliant blue horizon. We first learn to know and delight in beauty from our Mother Earth. And now we are also learning that there are definite limits to the human exploitation of Earth that she will tolerate.”
