“Living in harmony with nature and with God gives us full happiness and purpose,” thus said Father Julian Tenison Woods in 1887.

For Fr Julian, fullness of life meant the integration of science and religion. He sensed that the future of Earth depends on the realisation that all creation is in relationship, and that we human beings are irrevocably inter-connected with the natural world. In this he echoed the sentiments of St Francis of Assisi whom Pope Francis brought to our attention in 2015 when he gave the world Laudato Si’. Pope Francis showed us that St Francis’ way of living simply and sustainably was in solidarity with Earth and her peoples.

Today we know our Earth is in trouble.

A new resource has been created as an invitation to all who care about the future. The reader is invited to look at our world, as if out a window, with St Francis of Assisi, Pope Francis, and Fr Julian.

Window on Creation offers an opportunity to explore how to make a difference, right where we are. Its focus is mainly on Fr Julian who, as a well-respected scientist, contributed greatly to Australian natural history. He found God in science and creation, not just in his religious duties as a priest. His concern for nature interconnected with his commitment to face the environmental and social challenges of his time. Seeing Fr Julian in this way renders him an ‘Eco-Hero’ for us in our time! We see he is a person who realises that our concerns for nature, justice for the poor, commitment to society and interior peace are all interconnected.

Particularly for those who do not know too much about Fr Julian, in Window of Creation his life and times are opened up for us from the perspective of his love of science and his contribution to the study of Australian natural history. Information pages are interspersed with quotes for consideration and inspiration. There are also reflective activities which can be completed alone or with a group.

As author, Sr Carmel Jones rsj, says:

I have tried to make this e-book a stand-alone resource so that most of the information is either contained within the words or through clicking on links. I am grateful that this resource is enhanced by illustrations created by Sr Dorothy Woodward and has been reviewed Sr Mary-Ann Casanova, Project Officer for the Sisters’ Explore~Embrace~Embody: A Laudato Si’ Action Plan for the Josephite Community – and to the Sisters of Saint Joseph Communications Office for making it available.

This book has been a long time coming to birth! I have been saying for years that I would like to provide something more about Fr Julian for our schools and 2023 was the year when it all came together.

I am hopeful that this will be a useful resource for upper primary and secondary school staff and students, particularly those in our Josephite schools who are interested in the influence of Fr Julian. I believe the material contained within could be used across various curriculum units. However, I am sure this book will also appeal to anyone who is interested in Fr Julian and in the welfare of our Earth. Maybe this resource will help us towards harmony within ourselves, with each other and with all of creation.

The e-book Window on Creation is available for reading and download via FlippingBook here: https://online.flippingbook.com/view/1004194906/