Gratitude - Fr. Stephen Dunn

A lot of events have caused postponement of the Blog launch to February, especially the death of Fr. Paul Cusack CP, our "Emeritus Pastor".  But perhaps, through it all, we've gained even better focus on our Gratitude for the Mission of St. Gabriel's. 

I have a very clear memory of Fr. Paul during the Garden Retreat. He was very frail, so it was a dramatic surprise to find him shuffling toward the Garden with his package of soil and a trowel, eager to participate in this "hands on" part of the Retreat.  It continues to make me grateful for his commitment to the Passion of the Earth.  How better to show my gratitude than to repeat the Prayer composed by those who share the Ministry of the Garden?

Fr. Steve
Stephen Dunn C.P. 


A Thanksgiving to St. Gabriel’s Garden, Offered By Those Who Tend It.

To the birds like the cardinals who teach constancy in their relationships and diligence and commitment to raising their young

We give our thanks

To the bees, butterflies and other insects that teach reciprocity, gathering nectar and spreading pollen

We give our thanks

To predators, like fox and prey, like rabbit, who teach the balance between taking life in order to live and giving life in order that others may live

We give our thanks

To all the creatures, above ground, under the ground and in the air who welcome us as belonging in their garden home

We give our thanks

To breeze and wind that make the grasses and foliage sway, providing entertainment to the garden surroundings

We give our thanks

To the trees and other flowering plants that respond to care by sharing their fruit

We give our thanks

To rain and snow that give life in summer and a protective blanket in winter

We give our thanks

To the garden which teaches that the intense, beautiful life force that flourishes so energetically there, in the tangle of plants, shrubs and trees, is the same life force that we humans share

We give our thanks

To the garden for the experience of finding an enlightened peace that cannot be easily found in our challenging world

We give our thanks

To the garden, where we encounter our Greater Self

We give our thanks

To nature which, not bound by any written word or lecture, manifests itself in distinct ways, and with universal appeal

We give our thanks

To Sun and Moon cycles that order life on Earth and teach impermanence and renewal

We give our thanks

To Creator, who set us in the garden among the other Earth communities that through them we might, in awe and wonder, learn humility and understand our place in creation  

We give our thanks

Amen