By Sharon Abercrombie
Staff writer

Passionist Father Thomas Berry — regarded as the dean of those working to relate ecology to spirituality — has inspired conferences, books, poetry and music, and courses in “earth justice” through his teaching and his writings. He has also influenced women religious to transform their motherhouses into ecologically sustainable retreat centers.

These are some of the ways that followers of Father Berry are getting the word out about what the priest says is the clarion call of the 21st century — to move from being a disrupting force on the earth to being a benign presence.

Some of those followers came together July 17-20 at the Sophia Center at Holy Names University in Oakland to celebrate the lifelong work of the 93-year-old priest, author and cultural historian.

Father Berry, who resides in a retirement home in North Carolina, was unable to attend the conference, which drew about 200 people.

Among the speakers were Passionist Sisters Bernadette Bostwick and Gail Worcelo, who were inspired by Father Berry to co-found the Green Mountain Monastery in Vermont. It is an “ecozoic” monastery, promoting the well-being of the entire earth community.

This “ecozoic” concept is what Father Berry calls “the great work” that “everyone is involved in and no one is exempt from,” no matter what his or her particular work or occupation.

So far the monastery has one large building, a hermitage constructed of straw bales, and a yurt. Three women are in the discernment process to become members, said Sister Bernadette, and “we have 120 companion members” who help with the organic garden and summer retreat programs.

At the Sophia Center, one can earn a master of arts degree in culture and spirituality. The school also offers a nine-month certificate program and a one-semester sabbatical.

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