​By Sister Janet Stankowski, OP

What are we doing to our dear Mother Earth?

Are you shaken by yet another environmental disaster looming ahead?

This one dips into the Great Lakes watershed along the Menominee River in Wisconsin and Michigan, with Native Americans begging us to stop it. 

The wounding and bleeding of the planet continues.  A mining company is moving fast to gain permits for underground and open pit mining of gold and zinc only 150 feet from the river. Bad idea. Why? Because the terrible likelihood remains that sulfides and other pollutants and toxins will leak into the river and neighboring wetlands.  No mine with toxic sulfides to date has been able to stop toxic leaks into water sources. It was suggested we gather together in a spirit of solidarity with the Menominee Indians, raising communal awareness of the sacredness of the river and the threat to Native Americans, to local townspeople, and to all wildlife in the area.

We were urged to pray with good hearts and minds, and with gratitude for the created world that has been given to us.  We were asked to light sacred fires and pray for protection of all life, with special remembrance of those sustained by the Menominee River.

Carol Hofer organized a prayer gathering  for this purpose in January in Roseville. 
Pictured are VEJ supporters and the toxic river.

As of this date, the court has delayed the decision on whether permission for constructing the mine will be granted.  Holy Spirit of Creation, help us.

Sister Janet Stankowski, OP
Board member and co-founder, Voices for Earth Justice