The tranquil grounds at the Genesis Spiritual Life and Conference Center.
WESTFIELD-Nineteen serene and contemplative acres that surround the Genesis Spiritual Life and Conference Center will soon be blessed with another gift – the Providence Arboretum.
Genesis officials will officially dedicate and bless the Providence Arboretum, an official ArbNet Level I Arboretum, at 2 p.m. on June 12. The blessing is open to the public.
As visitors follow the winding driveway into Genesis, they will be surrounded by more than 400 specimens of woody plants, including the 35 species that comprise the core plan collection of the Arboretum that will provide solace for generations to come.
“Mystery in the lives of the trees is there for our discovery because they simply reflect the mystery in our own lives,” said Sister Elizabeth Oleksak, Foundress of Genesis.
The Sisters of Providence have ministered on the Mill Street property for 80 years and Genesis itself is celebrating its 40th year of creating an atmosphere which reveals the love of God for all creation and brings hope and healing to all who come, noted Oleksak.
A 40th anniversary celebration at Genesis is planned this fall.
Oleksak said the “mission” of the Providence Arboretum is to “raise awareness of the interconnectedness of all creation, infused with the Divine energy that makes us all One.” Additionally, the Arboretum’s “vision” invites all who come to experience the trees, individually and collectively, as a living icon – a visible reflection of the invisible.
In the same spirit as Laudato Si’, the second encyclical of Pope Francis, subtitled, On Care for Our Common Home, the Arboretum is a place for people to receive the Providential love of God through presence to the Earth, according to Oleksak.
Liz Walz, executive director at Genesis, shared those sentiments.
“By reflection and contemplation in and on this living icon, we soften and become more deeply grounded in love and reverence,” said Walz. “From that place, our prayer turns to action as we take steps to combat the global climate crisis, which requires looking at the world realistically, grieving, fortitude and yes, the conversions of hearts.”
For more information on the Arboretum or to RSVP for the blessing ceremony, call (413) 562-3627 or visit www.GenesisSpiritualCenter.org.
