Retired Sisters Gather to Bless a Tree

The incense cedar tree has been growing on the property of our Lady of Lourdes Convent for decades. Until recently when it suddenly died, it provided beauty, shade and a place for the birds of the air to land, build nests and birth their young. The Dominican Sisters, committed to social justice values and Care of the Earth, ritualized the demise of this faithful companion. The sisters sprinkled holy water on the large dry skeleton, as another read the poem, Advice From a Tree. May it rest in peace as it is taken down, limb by limb and reconstituted into chips, another form of nourishment for our landscape. As Pope Francis says in his letter, Laudato Si‘, everything is interconnected.

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Advice From A Tree

–by Ilan Shamir 

Dear Friend,
Stand Tall and Proud
Sink your roots deeply into the Earth
Reflect the light of a greater source
Think long term
Go out on a limb
Remember your place among all living beings
Embrace with joy the changing seasons
For each yields its own abundance
The Energy and Birth of Spring
The Growth and Contentment of Summer
The Wisdom to let go of leaves in the Fall
The Rest and Quiet Renewal of Winter
Feel the wind and the sun
And delight in their presence
Look up at the moon that shines down upon you
And the mystery of the stars at night.
Seek nourishment from the good things in life
Simple pleasures
Earth, fresh air, light
Be content with your natural beauty
Drink plenty of water
Let your limbs sway and dance in the breezes
Be flexible
Remember your roots
Enjoy the view!