On the fourth day of the AMOR journey, participants embarked on an experience that "touched the earth." While the previous day focused on fraternity, today’s experience was centered around ecological awareness. To deepen and enrich this ecological experience, participants were invited to visit a place called *Bumi Langit*. Father Heri Setyawan, SJ, once again served as the facilitator for this ecological visit. In his brief introduction, Father Heri expressed his hope that the participants would fully appreciate every moment of their experience at Bumi Langit. This visit was meant to immerse the participants in a hands-on ecological experience, further emphasizing the importance of connecting with nature.
The arrival of AMOR participants at the Bumi Langit Institute was greeted with delightful snacks, including cemplon, klepon, tempe kemul, and arem-arem, which brought joy to the participants. In addition to the treats, the beautiful scenery and peaceful atmosphere made everyone feel at ease. After enjoying the snacks and taking in the surroundings, Pak Iskandar, the owner of Bumi Langit Institute, shared a brief overview of the institute’s history and the activities carried out there. This visit provided participants with an opportunity to connect with nature, while also learning about the institute’s commitment to ecological sustainability and community development.
In his presentation, Pak Iskandar emphasized the importance of caring for both the earth and our bodies. He pointed out that as humans, we often choose foods that are, in essence, "poisonous" to our health. Furthermore, he highlighted how we frequently harm the earth, which existed long before us. As a result, he stressed that it is our responsibility to seek forgiveness from God for the damage we have inflicted on the planet. This reflection underlined the connection between personal well-being and environmental stewardship, reminding participants of the need to approach both with greater care and respect.
Essentially, Pak Iskandar encouraged participants to improve their quality of life by adopting healthy eating habits and being bold enough to reconnect with the earth by working in the garden. Through gardening, individuals not only strengthen their bodies with nutritious food but also enhance their ability to find meaning and purpose. He also emphasized the importance of the motto: "Little waste, much blessing." Pak Iskandar hopes that waste will be more carefully managed and processed. He expressed a desire for the AMOR participants to become agents of change by spreading these positive practices to others. He recognizes that both the Church and the AMOR participants have a broad reach and can promote these efforts to a wider audience, encouraging collective action for environmental and personal well-being.
After returning from the Bumi Langit Institute, the AMOR participants were invited to reflect and begin summarizing the fruits of their experience during the meeting. Father Sunu, the facilitator of this session, led the participants in a brief prayer to give thanks and gather all the experiences they had gone through over the past few days. Following the prayer, participants were asked to write down their reflections on paper and share them with their group members. Each group was then tasked with creating a plan and setting intentions for what they would do after returning from the meeting. In the plenary session, the inner movements and guidance of the Holy Spirit were palpable as participants discussed what they would do, both individually and as a group. Collaboration and working together emerged as strong themes during the plenary, highlighting a collective sense of purpose and commitment to the journey ahead.
After sensing the movements of the Holy Spirit in summarizing the key points from the AMOR meeting, the participants were then invited to enjoy a shared dinner. This evening's meal was special and different as it included performances from the AMOR participants. Each country showcased its unique culture and traditions. The Indonesian continent was represented by the novice and aspirant sisters of Sisters of Carolus Borromeus and students from Tarakanita schools. To close the dinner event, all participants were invited to dance together, creating a joyful and harmonious atmosphere. The entire day ended on a high note of shared celebration and unity. This moment highlighted the beauty of collaboration and the strengthening of bonds among the participants from various countries.
The fourth day of the AMOR meeting was a valuable moment for the participants. They were not only invited to deepen their love and connection with the Earth, but also to explore and reflect on their inner selves and the traditions they hold dear. This day fostered a growing sense of love for the planet and a deeper rooting in their respective traditions. It emphasized the interconnectedness between ecological care and spiritual practices, as participants engaged both with the natural world and their cultural heritage, nurturing a profound appreciation for both.
