Peter Saunders has stepped down as coordinator of Being with God in Nature, after founding this ministry and giving five years of service. Peter began Being with God in Nature in 2015 coinciding with the publication of Pope Francis’ encyclical Laudato Si.

Peter could see from deep personal experience how well Laudato Si would blend with Ignatian Spirituality and crafted opportunities for people to spend contemplative time in nature. He invited participants into that contemplative place in their hearts to encounter the Presence that is God in Nature, which leads to “ecological conversion” and reconciliation with Creation.

Many of us have fond memories of Peter sharing his love for spirituality and nature. Michael Bertie, a member of the Being with God in Nature team reflects“One of the things Peter is really good at, is that he can involve other people. It comes from being very quiet, and very much a listener. Others become involved in his passion.”

Others have become involved in Peter’s passion over these years. And while this ministry has had its foundations in Victoria, Being with God in Nature is now gaining a national awareness and presence, a testament to Peter’s vision.

Michael Ryan SJ, Director of Campion said that “Peter has been outstanding in his extraordinary service of the Ignatian ministry through his dedicated, persistent and creative contribution. He has continued to give of himself wholeheartedly to better our world by his commitment to the prophetic Laudato Si’s vision.”

We are fortunate that Peter has accepted an invitation to offer retreats for Being with God in Nature from time to time, so stay tuned for these.

Peter continues to be a member of the planning committee for the proposed International Ignatian Ecospiritual Conference, 26 – 30 September 2021 to mark 500 years of Ignatius’ conversion.

Peter is deeply respected by his colleagues in the Being with God in Nature community and we wish him and his family a blessed and abundant life for the future.