Ecological Learning Center
La Vista Ecological Learning Center, in Godfrey, Illinois, is a ministry of the Missionary Oblates of Mary Immaculate. Born out of the Oblate's ongoing effort to respond to the priority of Justice, Peace, and the Integrity of Creation, the Center was created to raise ecological awareness.
Through seasonal celebrations, weekend retreats, discussion courses, and Earth Literacy Programs, La Vista focuses on helping participants to appreciate and integrate the emerging worldview into their spirituality and each part of their daily lives. This worldview recognizes that healthy relationships are reciprocal ones. We human beings cannot continue to use Earth as a resource and not give back to her. What is good for humans must also be good for Earth. Cultural historian Thomas Berry has called humans to create a time in which we engage the Earth in a mutually enhancing relationship.
In partnership with the Community Supported Garden at La Vista participants in our programs discover that, as Wendell Berry reminds us, "How we eat determines, to a great extent, how the world is used." Sustainable farming practices on the land at La Vista give visible expression to Thomas Berry's call to engage the Earth in a mutually enhancing relationship.
Finally, all our efforts at La Vista strive to raise consciousness that the sacred community is the Universe. From its first flaring forth almost 14 billion years ago, every moment, every galaxy, star and expression of life has the Spirit at its center.
La Vista is committed to celebrating the Sacred Universe. Come, broaden your vision at La Vista!
