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Center for Ecozoic Living Caring for the Earth is one of the hundreds of ways in which Medical Mission Sisters around the world try to be a healing presence to those in need today. A few years ago, Sister Anne Bellosillo was adjusting to life in her native Philippines after years abroad when she visited the Center for Ecozoic Living and Learning (CELL) in Silang town in Cavite. Founded by Columban Missionaries, CELL is a farm amidst a thousand trees and varied bird and insect life. It helps to raise the ecological awareness of members of the local parish and its large urban poor community.
"When I saw the place, I knew deep down that I was home," Sister Anne recalls. She began working and living in the community. "Our way of life in CELL is a witness to the interrelatedness of economic justice and care for the earth. This is also an expression of our spirituality," she explains. At CELL, visitors can take courses in the New Story of Creation, learn about permaculture, experience ecozoic living, and study methods of organic growing. In all of its endeavors, CELL aims to enhance connectedness with nature.
"Care for the Earth and the Earth will care for you. This is an everyday experience for us as we are fed from the fruits, vegetables, and eggs we get from our produce," Sister Anne says. She adds, "We have a waste management program by reusing and recycling plastics, papers, bottles, and tin cans, since these are things that do not belong to the earth. This program has been extended to some communities and schools in the region of Cavite. We are involved in the promotion of local and natural products by the food we eat. Our structures are mainly bamboo with nipa roofs. We only use biodegradable soap and cleaning detergents." In this zero-waste community, no garbage leaves the CELL. Sister Anne adds, "To recognize the interconnectedness, interdependence, interrelatedness, and harmony in all aspects of life, to be aware that our community of life is a footprint of God's beauty and creation is, indeed, a daily experience of walking on sacred ground."
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