God’s grandeur waits to reveal itself

Today, 24 May 2025, marks the 10th anniversary of Laudato Si, a landmark encyclical of our beloved Pope Francis on the Care for our Common Home. Pursuing its advocacy toward ecological conversion, spirituality and lifestyle, the Office of the Assistant Vice President for Ignatian Spirituality Formation (OAVP-ISF) engages in different efforts for the Ateneo community to one with God, nature and people. 

I was blessed with the opportunity to join the Asia Pacific Contextual Theology and Engagement Program (ACOTEP) in Sabah, Malaysia on 25 May to 2 June 2024. An 8-day immersion program that aims to understand the relevance of communal resilience by promoting ancestral wisdom and indigenous mysticism, through synodal actions of creative ritual reconciliation with nature, and reintegration of indigenous identity with Catholic faith. I was grateful for the program, the accompaniment of formators and 11 other Asian participants. Profound experiences of immersing in the forest awakened my desires, hopes, and aspirations for my work and for my fellow indigenous people (IP). Likewise, the program deepened my spirituality through various encounters, prayers, and liturgies that were integrated into our daily schedule. Prayer and blessing were always generously shared in our rituals. Our first liturgy together, the Sunset Ritual of Welcome, was at the viewpoint deck, surrounded by the majestic beauty of the clouds and the trees that held me in awe & wonder. Such a majestic view overshadowed the experience of having to catch our breath from a steep walk on the slope of Sacred Mt Kinabalu. What a beautiful welcome salvo to all of us immerses!  

“O LORD, our Lord, how awesome is your name through all the earth!
When I see your heavens, the work of your fingers,
the moon and stars that you set in place—
*What is [hu]man that you are mindful of him[her],
mortal [hu]man that you care for him [her]? 
(Ps 8: 2,5-6)

The trek to Nunuk Camp was a journey of interiority– a 6-hour hike that I did not realize would be one of self-discovery and growth, pushing me to my limits and testing my physical and emotional resilience. This high-altitude trek proved challenging, leaving me breathless at times. Remarkably, we persevered and reached our destination! I was very grateful to my companions who assisted me and patiently waited for me.

I regained balance to continue the journey with the comforting hug of the tree. The trees naturally gave me energy and life, which offered grounding and stability. When our water supply ran out, the river provided a refreshing respite, quenching our thirst and replenishing our supply for the rest of the journey. Indeed,the Lord sustains! He is in nature. It is God’s expression of nearness and sustenance for His beloved creatures. God is present in all of creation. This awakens greater respect and reverence for the Spirit present in all of creation. To be with nature is to be with God. Listening to nature’s symphony is listening to God. Noticing Him and giving space for Him "by having reverence for life, we enter into a spiritual relationship with the world" (Albert Schweitzer). 

 “Where can I go from your spirit? From your presence, where can I flee?
If I ascend to the heavens, you are there; if I lie down in Sheol, there you are. 
If I take the wings of dawn and dwell beyond the sea, 
even there your hand guides me, your right hand holds me fast.
(Ps 139:7-10)

Standing in awe before the loving presence of God, I am humbled to acknowledge my shortcomings in responding with love and care to the cry of the earth and the cry of the poor. The penitential rite in the liturgy at Nunuk camp, which was inspired by St Francis of Assisi's Canticle of Brother Sun and Sister Moon, stirred my heart to repentance. As I reflected on our spontaneous prayer petitions, I recognized the urgency of our communal and individual responsibility to reconcile with creation. We have contributed to the earth's suffering through our lack of simplicity, disregard for equality, and neglect of natural resources. Our lifestyles, marked by excess and disrespect, have fueled greed, anger, and pain. Yet, Pope Francis reminds us that we have a moral imperative to act, to examine our lives, and to experience a conversion of heart. We must return the world to future generations as a loan, not a spoil.  

Critical analysis, theological reflections, and spiritual conversations allowed us to process our experiences profoundly. Listening to our Jesuit formators: Fr Jojo Fung SJ, Fr Bros Flores SJ, and Fr Jomari Manzano SJ, and our IP resource persons: Ms Angelica Suimi, Ms Ann Lasimbang, Amay Sintiah, and Amay Lanting of the Kadazan Duson, made me more appreciative of the IP’s strength, courage, and resilience:  the strong sense in promoting the cause of the common good;  their efforts in educating the younger generation; passing forward their language and tradition, etc. For example, the forest language they adhere to follow is to give space for creation to breathe; respecting the seasons by the rhythm of planting and harvesting; by their simple lifestyle and communal ownership. Getting only what's needed and sharing the resources with others, especially those in need, are a few of the remarkable traits of the IPs. Given their pooled forces, the Kadazan Duson community was able to get back their ancestral land from the government; their voices heard; and their authority exercised and valued. A great wisdom is naturally etched in the heart of every IP that we can learn from. Undoubtedly, this immersion gave me hope and joy seeing them for what they have become and accomplished as a people. 

This year, two formators got accepted into the program. Mr Jay Nagas, a campus minister from Ateneo Senior High  School, and Ms Mariella Besana, a BINHI formator from the Office for Social Concern and Involvement of Higher Education, will join ACOTEP 2025 happening from 24 May to 1 June.  May their experience allow them to grow into deeper connection with and care for creation, community and Creator, and inspire them to champion Laudato Si with kindred spirits in Ateneo.

Michelle L Severino
Assistant to the Assistant Vice President for Ignatian Spirituality Formation 
OAVP-ISF - Mission Integration