Laudato Si’ Tuesday at the Novitiate

At the Immaculate Heart of Mary Novitiate in Godfrey, Illinois, every other Tuesday is dedicated to Laudato Si’, Pope Francis’ encyclical on the care for our common home. These days invite us to integrate faith, reflection, and action — reminding us that ecological conversion is an essential part of our missionary life as Oblates.

Our mornings are spent reading and sharing insights from Laudato Si’ and the Oblate Charism, connecting the Gospel call to creation care with our daily lives and mission. In the afternoons, we move from reflection to action through practical ecological activities around our property.

Today, under the guidance of Novice Brother Thomas, we took a walking tour of the trees on our grounds. Each tree revealed a story — of life, beauty, and resilience — inviting us to rediscover creation as a living sign of God’s presence and generosity.

May our small steps in caring for this land reflect the greater call to care for the earth, our common home.

Originally Posted on Immaculate Heart of Mary Novitiate – OMI the 15th of October, 2025