It has been a long journey for me to gradually understand how crucial the ecosystem is to human beings, and what the term interconnectedness truly means in relation to all of humanity. My personal connection with little creatures grew deeper when I was in the Novitiate in 2000, and it deepened further in 2008 when I was a young temporary professed sister during the 26th Congregation General Chapter, themed “RNDM Earth Community: We are One, we are Love,” as well as during the chapters that followed.
Later, in 2015, Pope Francis released the encyclical Laudato si’ while I was on mission in Laos. Through each of these stages, my commitment to caring for nature grew deeper. Gradually, I learned even more profoundly when I joined the Canada province. There, I learned from the Sisters, who have always lived in the fullness of being one with nature, embodying and advocating for ecological movements.
Although I found myself falling in love with nature a bit late in life, I recognize that it is never too late. It reminds me of Saint Augustine’s reflection in his Confessions on his love for God:
“Late have I loved you, beauty so old and so new.”
Yes! Creator God! Nature is always there, so old and so new, too. I realize nature has always been a part of my life, and it is never too late to advocate – to be a voice and a reminder to others who may not yet sense it, just as I did not years ago.
This awakening invited me to take action using a simple gift I have: the gift of humming with nature. I began to hum with the trees and the wind on my bike rides, and I heard their voices singing with me. And that was it: from humming to singing. I sang and added one or two more sentences each day until I felt it was time to write them down.
This reflection eventually found expression in the song Awakening Our Ecological Senses, written in support of the theme of the 2026 Congregational Chapter. It is offered as an invitation to rediscover our relationship with creation and our shared responsibility to care for our common home.
You can hear these words:
“I am with you, you are with me
We are one, loving creatures.
I am because you are…”
The song is performed by the Buzzing Bees Choir of Saint Bernard Parish in Ottawa. They are not experts, nor are they professional singers, but they love to sing, particularly to help people connect with God during the Sunday liturgy. While it may not reach the flawless standards of a professional recording, their joy lies in the fact that they did their best. Furthermore, the song helps these teenagers remember how vital interconnectedness is to their lives as they continue to grow.
Natalie, a member of the choir, shares:
“This piece deeply resonates with us, and we hope it might also resonate with you when you take a minute to listen and allow yourself to be part of nature.”
I hope that you, too, will enjoy this melody and hum along with us after listening. Knowing that you are an integral part of the universe and of nature – it is never too late to acknowledge that.
Alongside Awakening Our Ecological Senses, Sister Thien also composed In Awe of You, another original song celebrating wonder at God’s presence in creation. It is also joyfully performed by the Buzzing Bees Choir.
