Everything in Nature Sings of the Grandeur of God
The Marianist Family celebrated the 40th anniversary of Bro. Don Geiger Eastern Tallgrass Prairie in Dayton, Ohio, honoring his pioneering legacy of ecological stewardship, scientific research, and holistic education. Our second article is about Sr. Leanne Jablonski, FMI, the present director of MEEC, and her vocation journey.
During the 2026 Season of Creation, the Marianist Family marked the 40th anniversary of Bro. Don Geiger Eastern Tallgrass Prairie at Mount St. John in Dayton, Ohio. The two-day commemorative event, held on October 2 & 3, 2026, titled Living a Transformative Vision, honored the enduring legacy of Brother Don Geiger (1933–2020), a renowned University of Dayton biology professor and environmental pioneer who founded the Marianist Environmental Education Center (MEEC). Blending scientific expertise in plant physiology with deep spiritual stewardship, Brother Don transformed a former sand-and-gravel site into a thriving ecosystem, leaving behind a profound life's work dedicated to ecological conservation, education, and gospel values.
Click to read more about Bro. Don Geiger, SM, including a Don Geiger share-a-memory page and other tributes.
St. Mary's University, Center for Catholic Studies, "Beyond the Lecture," Series
St. Mary's University's Center for Catholic Studies Director Dr. Jason King hosted Sr. Leanne Jablonski, FMI, Director, MEEC, & Co-chair of the Marianist Family Encounters Project, for a lecture. This is part of the Beyond the Lecture! podcast series of the Center for Catholic Studies at St. Mary's University, San Antonio, TX.
Sr. Leanne Jablonski, FMI, is a Marianist sister with a doctorate in plant physiology and ecology. She serves as the Director of MEEC and works to build collaboration between faith and scientific communities. Sr. Leanne shared about her experiences growing up immersed in nature and pursuing both scientific research and religious life. She reflects on the importance of holding science and faith together and concludes that if 3.5% of a population, or roughly one in five Catholics, act with commitment, they can bring about lasting change.
Listen to Sr. Leanne Jablonski's lecture here
The following is an excerpt from one of Blessed Adèle de Batz de Trenquelléon's letters shared in the opening prayer by Sr. Grace Walle, FMI.
Should nature not draw our attention to the wisdom of the Creator? Look at the smallest blade of grass. Is there a human being skillful enough to make it like? Is there anyone else endowed with the power and authority to cause a grain of seed to multiply, as God does? Everything in nature sings of the grandeur of God. . .
Blessed Adèle de Batz de Trenquelléon to Agathe Diché on March 27, 1805.
This excerpt is from Blessed Adèle de Batz's letter, written during her formative years, shortly after she and her companions founded the Association in 1804. This early correspondence highlights her deep spiritual foundation, reverence for creation, and early emphasis on personal moral accountability and witness. This letter is often highlighted in Marianist writings on creation and ecology; it shows Blessed Adèle's early awareness of God's presence in the natural world.