Dignity Health – Dominican Hospital in Santa Cruz, California recently organized a Pilgrimage of Hope for Creation event on its campus. The half-hour event took place during lunch and aimed to strengthen the connection between staff, nature, and the community.
Participants started with a walk from the hospital to the onsite garden. During this time, team members reflected in silence on their personal care for creation. They were encouraged to notice the details of plant life and think about memories connected to nature. Fresh produce from the garden was offered for participants to eat or take home, providing a direct link between caring for the earth and nourishing people.
Grey Bears, a local nonprofit focused on food deliveries for seniors, attended the event. Representatives shared how donations of fresh produce from Dominican Hospital’s garden help support local residents who need meals. This partnership reflects ongoing efforts to build community ties and aligns with broader themes of cooperation.
At the end of the pilgrimage, Sr. Mary Ellen Leciejewski, OP, System Vice President of Environmental Sustainability, led a blessing. Participants received river rocks as symbols for reflection and blue marbles representing responsibility toward planet Earth.
The hospital stated that events like these are intended to make environmental stewardship tangible while supporting both physical and spiritual well-being among team members.
