Projects, Programs and Course Offerings
Maryknoll Ecological Sanctuary offers the following programs, projects and courses. Please contact us for more information.
Cosmic Journey
The Cosmic Journey at Maryknoll Ecological Sanctuary is a story of how everything came to be. It is the main educational tool; an eco-trail that celebrates the unfolding story of the universe. There are 14 stations that celebrate the emergence of the universe. Walk-in visitors as well as groups who reserve ahead of time for guided tours avail of the Cosmic Journey. The Cosmic Journey contributes to the raising of environmental awareness and inspires people to action. It encourages us to think big and act with nobility and courage.
The Journey includes ourselves human beings, and attempts to discover the human and mission within the framework of the universe. This is done not so much through words as by taking a trek along the natural trail which runs back and forth through “cosmic stations” where one can playfully experience different moments in the unfolding of the earth. The pieces of the story which are present on the Cosmic Journey apply to geological and biological shaping of the earth as well as to cultural manifestations.
For more information, please visit this page
Earth education day/ recollection module
This one-day program is specifically designed for the youth. The aim of this module is to form the young generations into informed and responsible Earth citizens. We do this by telling and re-telling the universe story in a meditative, educative, and scientific manner tailored to the science and/or religion curriculum of high schools and elementary students. The day includes the Journey and practical ways to care for the environment, volunteerism, life’s choices, sexuality, and artwork.
Retreats/ recollections
The Maryknoll Ecological Sanctuary offers a quiet and contemplative space for individuals and groups who wish to find their "soul” and to discover their role and place in the universe as well as to map one’s life. These retreats are based on creation spirituality and may be facilitated by a guide - a Maryknoll Sister or another facilitator. Group recollections are planned and held at the request of groups tailored to their needs. Other recollections are planned during Advent and Lenten seasons as well as when groups request special times for reflection. We also offer retreat/recollections to young women and men in formation - postulants, novices - to take a new look at and reflect on the vows in the context of the new cosmology.
Justice, Peace and Integrity of Creation workshops
Global Warming is now a planetary crisis. The workshop explores the causes, impact and effects of global warming and what actions we can take to curb it.
Ecofeminism is the social movement that regards the oppression of women and nature as interconnected. The workshop explores this interaction and the root causes of the crisis. It critiques hierarchical dualism and offers transformative actions.
Ecological Waste Management is the handling of the things we throw away in a manner that does not harm the environment. The workshop offers practical ways to do this, which enhances our life and the life of our planet Earth.
Earth event workshops and seminars
These are held on days with special significance such as Earth Day in April, World Environment Day in June or Creation Day in September and other such days that commemorate and celebrate the Earth/universe. Special focus is given to topics related to the care and protection of the environment.
Bio-dynamic farming and gardening
A workshop on the history, approaches and methods of biodynamic farming with a trip to a biodynamic demonstration farm nearby. The concept of biodynamic farming technology supports the principles of the new cosmology as it not merely aims to repair the soil's physical structure but to rebuild its spirit, the life force/ energy that sustains the soil cognizant of the lunar and stellar influences on Earth. Biodynamic farming is one of the methods of organic agriculture that practices distinctive land preparation with particular attention to the cosmic forces that influence the farming process. A biodynamic learning site in the Ecological Sanctuary demonstrates land preparation and care for the vegetables. When in abundance, vegetables harvested are offered for sale at the Centre for families that prefer to buy organic vegetables from reliable sources. The Maryknoll Biodynamic Circle is an attempt to model a local practice in community supported agriculture (CSA).
The New Cosmology/ Spirituality course for educators
A certificate course for teachers that aims for educators to become a primary force in the Great Work. It offers a paradigm that shifts our consciousness to a new way of becoming Earth-centered and influences our way of being and behaving such that human presence enhances, rather than abuse, the Earth. All through the course, the participants will be guided how to integrate the values of the New Cosmology into their Science, Religion, Values curriculum. Modules will pay attention to the four voices of wisdom for the Great Work: indigenous peoples, the women’s perspective, lessons from the Classical Period, and the contemporary scientific discoveries.
Art workshops
Modules are tailored to training needs of children and young adults done under the guidance of Clemente Delim, the in-house artist.
Creative module design workshops
Workshops that aim to develop skills for designing creative modules based on the New Cosmology. These include producing materials and guides for creative and educational programs such as audio-visual aids, field trips, and other teaching methods.
Ecology and children
The aim of this project is for children to have fun with nature, for mothers to have training in soya bean preparation to produce soya milk and soya fun food (cookies, sausages, taho) for children. Soya bean is the second richest non-meat source of protein, second only to malunggay, thereby addressing the malnutrition problems in the Philippines.
