Being with God in Nature

Creation is of the order of love. God’s love is the fundamental moving force in all created things.

Pope Francis, Laudato Si, 2015, n.77

With the rise of the industrial world, over the last couple of centuries, more and more men and women have become urbanised and as result more disconnected from Nature. We have come to see ourselves as the masters of Nature, with the Earth being an object for us to use to make our lives more comfortable. In this process, we have lost our connection with God’s presence in the Universe. Pope Francis, in his encyclical Laudato Si: On care for Our Common Home, invites us to reunite with God in the Earth, in the whole universe.

Jesuit and Ignatian Spiritualty Australia’s ministry, Being with God in Nature provides a variety of opportunities to experience Ignatian Spirituality in Nature, to spend time in a group, at times in silence, listening to God’s presence in Nature. The Being with God in Nature team takes people out into the Australian wilderness as well as experiencing Nature in our urban settings.

The entire material Universe speaks of God’s love, his boundless affection for us. Soil, water, mountains; everything is, as it were, a caress of God. Pope Francis, Laudato Si, 2015, no.84

There are opportunities to spend some contemplative time in nature. To enter into that contemplative place in your heart to encounter the Presence that is God in Nature, which leads to “ecological conversation” and reconciliation with Creation. 

This responsibility for God’s Earth means that human beings, endowed with intelligence, must respect the laws of nature and the delicate equilibria existing between the creatures of this world. Pope Francis, Laudato Si, 2015, no.68

Being with God in Nature offers ecological experiences and conversion for individuals, groups and organisations (staff, volunteers, leaders) including:

• Contemplative/Prayer Walks: half and full day
• “Heart of Creation” Reflection Days
• Weekend Retreats
• Wilderness Retreats
• “Australian Ignatian Trail” Pilgrimages
• Online Retreats

Contact us today and we can tailor a program for you!
1300 392 636  or  info@jisa.org.au

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