On Saturday, November 23, Sisters Denise Lirette and. Gloria Boudreau, two Daughters of Jesus from Moncton, New Brunswick, Canada travelled to the Lokia Residence in Three Rivers (874 kilometers!!) to give us a session on ecology, one of the major orientations of the Congregation’s last General Chapter.

The evolution of Creation

In the first session, they presented the story of Creation based on the latest scientific data.  They took us through several billion years of evolution, from the creation of the Universe to the present day, demonstrating that even our existence on earth today is dependent on everything that has gone before us.

People in communion

The second part focused on ecological conversion. Conversion means changing our attitude, our way of being and acting which begins with a change of outlook. 

Instead of seeing the various elements that make up Nature as objects at our disposal, we are invited to see them for what they really are: a network of living organisms of which we are a part, and which makes our earth a living planet that enables life.

Healing the interior in order to heal the exterior.

Only by respecting this life in all its diverse components can we ensure our own survival.

And…this requires a change of heart: respecting God’s creation is a sacred duty, just like respecting human beings.  In fact, the two aspects are linked: the ecological crisis is also accompanied by a humanitarian crisis.  That’s what the Amerindians thought: if you don’t respect Nature, you don’t respect human beings who are part of it either.

Gratitude

This session was greatly appreciated by both the Daughters of Jesus and the Associates.  It was profound, simple and educational, with visual aids to help us understand. 

We’d like to express our deepest gratitude to Sisters Denise and Gloria for making such a long journey, and to the Filles de Jésus for making this beautiful session possible.

Mrs. Lisette Dionne, Associate, Filles de Jésus

Trois-Rivières, Canada