In this retreat, we will consider some of the natural wonders of the Earth that I experienced during my sabbatical and reflect upon how we see God’s Beauty and greatness through that creation and its design. We will ponder how God has surrounded us with beauty as grace, support, and teacher. We will also explore some of the damage that humankind is doing to the Earth through climate change, poor industrial practices, misuse, and greed. Through thought and word, experience and image, we will meditate upon our encounters with God through nature’s icons and contemplate on our roles as God’s stewards and co-creators.

ABOUT OUR PRESENTER

Sr. Madeleine Mary, CSM has been a Religious for 50 years, has served as a spiritual director for over thirty years, is a member of Spiritual Directors International, and has served as spiritual director in New York and Sewanee, and for seminarians at Virginia Seminary, the General Seminary, Union Seminary, Yale, and Sewanee. She holds an M.Div. from The School of Theology as well as a certificate in Spiritual Direction from The General Seminary. She has also done retreat work and programs widely throughout the United States as well as in Europe. While living in New York as a member of the Community of the Holy Spirit, she served as the Reverend Mother for twelve years and was the Program Director for the CHS Earth Ministry. After transferring to the Community of St. Mary, she served as Prioress for 10 years and has used her writing, preaching, reflections, photography and video skills to help people explore the connections between faith, care for creation, and Benedictine spirituality. In 2023 at the end of her time as Prioress, Sister Madeleine Mary went on sabbatical and traveled to numerous countries - she will share these experiences as part of our retreat.