Cottonwood Chronicle

By Julie A. Ferraro

Director of Communications

As September comes to a close and October is upon us, it’s not too late to join in celebrating the Season of Creation by participating in upcoming activities being held at the Center for Benedictine Life at the Monastery of St. Gertrude, 465 Keuterville Road, Cottonwood.
The Benedictine sisters of the Monastery of St. Gertrude came to the Camas Prairie and Cottonwood more than a century ago, not only building a haven for prayer and a place to share the spirituality St. Benedict described in his Rule in the sixth century, but also serving as stewards for more than a thousand acres of nature.
Each year, during the Season of Creation – which is celebrated from September 1 to October 4 by people of many faiths around the globe – the Center for Benedictine Life at the Monastery of St. Gertrude includes special prayers for the care of “our common home” as the late Pope Francis referred to this planet in his 2015 encyclical Laudato Si’. This year, a series of events have been hosted at the monastery and in the region, with a few remaining that are free and open to the public.
On Saturday, October 3, two events will take place. Beginning at 1:00 PM, Sister Barbara Jean Glodowski, OSB; Rev. Daniel Willms, farmer and pastor, Grangeville United Methodist Church; and Judy Baker, life-long environmental advocate, will be the panel discussing “The Mystery of Creation,” in the Johanna Room of the Spirit Center on the monastery campus. They will speak to the question, “What has the Mystery of Creation meant to you on your personal spiritual journey?” Then, the floor will be opened for a question and answer session.
Following the panel discussion, at approximately 2:30 PM, those who wish to attend a Blessing of the Forest will venture from Spirit Center up the hill to the Grotto. This blessing of the lands so long held dear by the Benedictines will be followed by a reception of punch and cookies. For those who might not be able to walk up the hill, car shuttles will be available.
The Season of Creation wouldn’t be complete without a celebration of St. Francis of Assisi, the patron saint of ecology, whose feast day is October 4. The Benedictines and the Franciscans have a number of historical connections: in the 13^th century, the Benedictines of Assisi gifted St. Francis property in the valley below the Italian city where his early brothers lived.
Because of St. Francis’ love for all creation, the Center for Benedictine Life will host a Blessing of the Animals beginning at 2:00 PM on October 4, with owners of well-behaved dogs invited to bring their pets and meet on the lawn near the monastery chapel, where Sister Teresa Jackson, OSB, prioress of the community, will bless them.
While the Season of Creation may end that day, the Center for Benedictine Life community hopes the events held will be a year-round reminder of how precious is all creation, and that we need to be responsible stewards, but also brothers and sisters of every living being.
For more information on the Season of Creation and the events, visit the website: https://stgertrudes.org/season-of-creation/