Under the warm June sun with a cool ocean breeze, OFM friars in formation from across the country gathered for fellowship, education and fun over three days at Mission San Luis Rey in Oceanside, CA. This year’s annual Jamboree gathering for postulants, novices, friars in temporary vows and their directors included an afternoon of experiencing the message of Laudato Si’.
Laudato Si’ Spirit, invited by the Jamboree planning team, engaged with friars in an afternoon of reflection, activity, and prayer focused on integral ecology and hearing the cry of the earth and cry of the poor. Beginning with an overview of the Laudato Si’ Action Platform, the afternoon first invited the friars to reflect on the past year in relation to the 7 Laudato Si’ Goals. Friars paired up, found outdoor spaces for conversation, and completed an abbreviated self-assessment based on just one of the Laudato Si’ goals. Since reflecting on actions and activities over the past year can help in looking toward the future, the friars were encouraged to consider, “What is one action you would like to propose to your friary?”
Photos by Carlos Portillo
Gathering at a small tree grove on the Mission property, the friars were then invited to make a commitment to care for creation and to help plant fruit trees as a sign of that commitment. With each set of hands contributing, the friars planted three trees–apple, grapefruit, and avocado– that will each live on, adding to the variety and beauty of the land.
The highlight of the afternoon was gathering among the pine trees for a basketweaving activity with Diania Caudell (Luiseño), a member of the San Luis Rey Band of Mission Indians. Diania, along with three other basketweaver aides, introduced the friars to the tradition of basketweaving as part of the rich Luiseño heritage and then guided the friars through making their own baskets.
Due to the rarity of traditional materials and the complexity of the Luiseño technique, Diania taught the Cherokee style of weaving (with permission from the Cherokee Nation). As Diania shared, Luiseño Indians traditionally use plants native to the region such as deergrass, juncus and sumac for their weaving. However, these plants are becoming harder to find growing in nature and when found, often are contaminated with pesticides making them unsafe for weaving. Surely an example of the need to better care for creation!
Photo by Linda Causee
Photos by Carlos Portillo
Concluding the afternoon with reflection and prayer, friars and weavers gathered together around the newly created baskets. Each basket unique, just like the hands that created it. Lifting every voice, each person contributed to the prayer by sharing a short reflection based on a word from the opening of Laudato Si’. The group was then blessed with a closing prayer from Mel Vernon, captain of the San Luis Rey Band of Mission Indians. A sacred ending to the special afternoon of honoring community and creation.
Photo by Linda Causee