RRecently, I found myself reflecting on the Bible passage where God speaks to Noah after the flood: “I establish my covenant with you, with your descendants, and with every living creature that is with you” (Genesis 9, 9-10 ). For the first time, it caught my attention that God made an alliance, not only with a man, nor with a people, but also with all creatures.
I connected with Pope Francis’ invitation to “cultivate an ecological spirituality.” I also connected with the Canticle of the Creatures prayer by Saint Francis of Assisi where he calls the sun “brother” and the moon “sister,” as well as other creatures; and with the story of his encounter with the wolf of Gubbio, when he says to him: “Come here, brother wolf! I command you, on behalf of Christ, not to harm me or anyone.”
What does this change of outlook mean when thinking about who our companions are on the missionary path?
Two years ago, our pastoral group at the Maryknoll center in Cochabamba, Bolivia, reflected on Laudato Si’ and we opted for the “Green Project”. This project consists of making our house and property an ecological corner within the city. As the city grows in cement, we offer a space to encounter nature. The driving force behind our decision was the question that Pope Francis asks us: “What kind of world do we want to leave for those who come after us, for the children who are growing up? (Laudato Si’ 160).”
As part of this project, I want to introduce you to different companions on our missionary path and invite them to awaken in their hearts a spirituality connected to Mother Earth.
Catalina and Domingo are two llamas that beautify our park. Domingo came from the heights of Cochabamba and Catalina de Oruro, another city in the Andes. The flames are teaching us what the culture of care to which Pope Francis invites us means. They know how to choose the grasses they feed and discard those that harm them. Could it be that we know how to discern what nourishes our lives from what harms us?
Bear and Pearl, our dogs, have guarded the house at night for many years. Since the Maryknoll Mission Center in Latin America closed in 2020, they make us feel safe on this large property. They are very playful and only offer, albeit clumsily, joy when you approach them. Could it be that our testimony brings joy to those around us?
We have two ponds with fish. They are of different varieties, colors and sizes. They are teaching us what Pope Francis proposes to us in Fratelli Tutti about “fraternity and social friendship.” They have learned to live together in the same space and respect the little ones. I wonder if, as Christians, we are builders of safe spaces caring for the most vulnerable in society.
Bees flutter throughout the property searching for pollen and water. They are helping us pollinate and have more flowers and trees. Taking care of them is teaching us that care requires respect for others. One cannot approach them just like that. They all have their function within the community, they use a very sophisticated communication system so that they know where there is food or water, or to avoid dangers. They are a perfect example of what Pope Francis tells us: “The whole is more than the parts, and it is also more than the mere sum of them” (Evangelii Gaudium 235).
Together with our cats Paco and Mimosa, and the chickens raised by Maryknoll Brother Joseph Bruener, these brothers and sisters on the journey encourage us to recreate our missionary work from the values they live and transmit to us. They provide a new perspective to make us aware that everything is interrelated.
From this spirituality it is possible to think of creation and all creatures as companions on our journey to serve the people.
Maryknoll Father Alejandro Marina, born in Buenos Aires, Argentina, joined Maryknoll in 2012 and is local superior at the Maryknoll center in Cochabamba, Bolivia.
Featured image: Maryknoll Father Alejandro Marina visits Catalina and Domingo, two llamas who entertain and beautify the Maryknoll center in the city of Cochabamba, Bolivia. (Adam Mitchell/Bolivia)
