The 15th and 16th of April 2016, marked the eco-friendly days of the novitiate, in the company of Sr. Santana Pereira and the environment. Well before the course could begin, we were made aware of what it would offer us and what we needed to offer in return so that the course could bear much fruit. We began on the 15thmorning with the fundamental requirement which would make us open to the two days of animation – becoming aware of ourselves as beings of creation, in whom the breath of life flows. It was really touching to note that things that we often take for granted have so much to teach us, even as routine as the daily morning hymn.
Through a more intense study of the first two chapters of the book of Genesis, we were brought to the awareness that the fundamental truth hidden in these two historical myths is that God is the creator of everything that exists, and that we are not given creation to do with it what we like, but that we are made responsible for creation, for its sustenance and its well-being. There was something new in store for us when we were asked to spend some time in speaking to the plants. Later on it became known that it is not just an aesthetic practice but that God has something to teach us in every little thing that exists in nature.
We were also given group study on three chapters of Laudato Si…. the problems that our common home is facing, ecological and educational spirituality and the Gospel of Creation. These topics were presented in the class group wise. We also dealt with what the earth and each one of us share in common.
The second day began with most of us getting tuned to the rhythm of our breath. A beautifully guided morning prayer followed which included meditating on the connection of ourselves with nature. Sr. Santana then organized for a Eucharist celebrated in nature presided over by Fr. Ivan Rodrigues who through his homily brought to our awareness that we should turn from our selfish ways and become people totally caring for the environment and one with it. In our own little way we are called to reduce the harm done to the Earth and even be exemplary in rectifying the ecological crisis.
At the beginning of today’s morning session many of us stated the benefits of having liturgy in nature. We also shared how yesterday’s classes had struck us. The second half of the morning was spent in the 3 liturgical groups presenting 3 topics to the class- rebuilding our relationship with earth, environmental spirituality and trail blazing spirit. The rebuilding of our relationship with mother earth requires that we get back to our roots and begin discovering the love that we have received from Mother Earth and our need to love the earth in return, in the way we would relate to any person whom we hold in affection.
By seeing God in nature and around us, the topic on Environmental spirituality was stressing on how we should develop a more sensitive, open and gratitude filed attitude towards the earth. God reveals himself to us through the environment visibly seen in the variety we see, and he has given us a mission to bring salvation to creation, as stewards of God’s creation. The trail blazing spirit present as creator form the very beginning of creation calls us to a change of hearts and to bear fruits of love and understanding towards the earth. It also focused on the aspect of religious today becoming a prophetic witness 
for the world, counter to the culture of hedonism, not getting caught up in a routine and comfort filled lifestyle but with a more open approach.
In the afternoon, we raised up ideas of how we will personally and as a community commit ourselves to a more eco spiritual outlook. With a practical session of gardening and digging a compost pit followed by highlighting the theme of eco-feminism, the course in nature and with nature came to an end, not to be forgotten or kept as theory in our books but to form a convinced part of our everyday life. Thanks to Sr. Anelfreda Miranda for this unique learning opportunity given to us and to Sr. Santana for generously availing herself to make us more eco-friendly and eco religious of tomorrow.