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Franciscans in Action
October-November 2008 e-newsletter
Students From a Franciscan College Embrace Creation
La Isla Espiritu Santo
Most North Americans live in urbanized areas and often do not get a chance to experience creation. Various responsibilities task their time to the point where there is none of it left for reflection on the greatness of the natural world. Recently, however, a group of Santa Clara University students – including Tracy Mangin, Ann Thomas, and Jessica Reimer – had the opportunity to do just that. They took two courses the underlying purpose of which was to move closer to nature and fulfill the Franciscan teaching of caring for creation.
A whale in the waters off La Isla Espiritu Santo
Santa Clara University lies in Santa Clara, California, just north of San Jose. The school is part of an enormous swath of urbanization that stretches from San Jose all the way to San Francisco and Oakland. It was in this urban landscape that Tracy, Ann, and Jessica amongst others decided to embrace the natural world by taking the courses Environmental Writing and the Natural History of Baja. These courses partly took place on La Isla Espiritu Santo, a large uninhabited island off the coast of La Paz, Mexico.
Many amazing creatures inhabit La Isla de Espiritu Santo
Before departing, the young women researched the various animal and plant species living on La Isla Espiritu Santo. The island is a UNESCO biosphere preserve – a place where nature is held sacred. Here the women would hike, kayak, and complete several assignments for their courses.
Santa Clara University students observed creation up close
These assignments included a guide to La Isla Espiritu Santo (finished by the whole class) and a journal on the experience of living on the island. Both assignments required observation and reflection – two psychic processes that with a bit of luck lead to spiritual understanding. Did not Francis’ conversion, after all, start with his “seeing” of the leper and reflecting on his plight?
Tracy, Ann, and Jessica had a wonderful time on La Isla Espiritu Santo. They tuned into the natural setting around them, tracking down the various plants and animals that they had studied. When the time came to return to the United States, the students felt an urge to stay in their natural surroundings. They had made a connection to La Isla Espiritu Santo that will from now on remind them that we are part of creation; and that we must take care of the natural world around us so that future generations also have the opportunity to visit places like La Isla Espiritu Santo and form their connections.
We encourage you our readers to send in stories where you see the spirit of St. Francis at work in the world. Email your stories to Peter Rajchert at peter@franciscans.org.
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