Yesterday marked the anniversary of the death of Teilhard de Chardin, (May 1, 1881 – April 10, 1955), a French philosopher and Jesuit priest who trained as a paleontologist and geologist. Chardin stands in the ranks of those individuals who have contributed greatly to the Church’s understanding of the close relationship of faith and science.  While not always understood or accepted, his teachings have strongly influenced the Church’s appreciation of science in its deepening understanding of creation and truth.

Our Sister Julia Marie Hutchison and Sister Janet Doyle, OP are helping to lead a group of individuals who seek to explore and more fully grasp Chardin’s understanding of consciousness, evolution, and the unity of all creation. With their backgrounds as teachers, principals and superintendents, they are especially interested in how Evolutionary Spirituality impacts education today.

I suspect that Mary understood in a profound way the unity of all life and creation as she nurtured the life of the very God who had given her life and brought this life to a world drenched in hope of fulfillment. May we learn from her the dignity of all creation in the transforming process that will bring us to the fullness of life in God.