Many years ago, our Oblate grounds here in Godfrey, Illinois, were nicknamed “La Vista.” A while back, a slogan came to mind: “Come, broaden your vision at La Vista!”   But, why the need for a broadened vision, why a wider view?  What is it that needs to be looked at anyway?

Why This New Ministry?

The times in which we live are full of both promise and threat. “Promise” seems to result from a broadened vision. Only in the last century did humans realize that we live in a Universe that is both expanding and developing.  This is very good news! Even more recently did we see for the first time the Earth from space – an image that has become an icon for many.  There has been an increasing realization that, indeed, humans live in dependence upon the rest of God’s Creation. This insight has evoked a dimension of religious faith and an impassioned zeal for all life!

These times are also full of “threat” which appears to result from restricted vision.  We see so many of our governments, institutions, and corporations not acting in accordance with the knowledge of the integrity of the Earth. Thus, humans are abused, other species are annihilated, and the life-support systems of the planet are poisoned.  Actions to create (what is perceived as) “profit” in the short term can result in the breakdown of eco-systems in the long run.

We clearly need a broader vision!

We need an appreciation and understanding of how the Earth functions if we are to live sustainably and harmoniously.  Cultural historian Thomas Berry has called humans to create a time in which we engage the Earth in a mutually enhancing relationship.  We cannot continue to take and take and not give back.  Healthy relationships are reciprocal ones.

In response to these times of promise and threat we Missionary Oblates of Mary Immaculate have created a new ministry: the Oblate Ecological Initiative.  This initiative is part of the ongoing effort of the Oblates to respond to our priority of Justice, Peace, and the Integrity of Creation as expressed in our Constitutions and Rules – “Action on behalf of justice, peace and the integrity of creation is an integral part of evangelization.”

The Oblate Ecological Initiative has two components. Primarily, the initiative seeks to educate Oblates and others in the area of ecological awareness.  Through Earth Literacy Programs, presentations, retreats, and seasonal celebrations, participants learn of both the wonder and fragility of Earth.  We also explore a practical lifestyle based on a mutually enhancing human-Earth relationship.  Our desire is that folks can return to their communities both living and teaching an awareness of creation’s integrity.

Flowing from ecological learning and sustainable living is the other component of the Initiative: a Community Supported Garden.  Practically linking the people of Earth, this alternative organic food source provides a solution to our ever-growing separation from each other, the Earth and our food supply. On a portion of these grounds, both shareholders and a small family farmer come into covenant with each other and the land.  Together, what wonderful nourishment can be harvested from this effort toward an ecologically and economically sustainable model of interdependence and intercommunion?

 So, come broaden your vision at La Vista!