Iona in Mission: Agape



During the week of May 14, nine Iona students, along with Dr. Meryl Nadel and Dr. Carl Procario-Foley, were guests of the Agape Community in Ware, Massachusetts where participants learned about sustainable agriculture, non-violence and many ecological practices to promote simple living and respect for the earth’s dwindling natural resources.  Students tilled soil, planted a garden, and ate vegetarian meals.  Rainy and overcast weather did not keep the Ionians from gathering and stacking wood that will serve to heat the main residence, Francis House, throughout the fall and into next winter as the Agape community plans to host colleges and universities as well as inner city church communities.  In addition to preparing a garden, the Ionians also planted wildflower and, for the second year in a row, an Iona tree, that was blessed with water from the Island of Iona. 



  Agape founders, Brayton Shanley and Suzanne Belotte Shanley, presented on topics of non-violence and vegetarianism while Prof. Michael Boover (Anna Maria College) educated the Iona contingent about the Catholic Worker movement founders’ Dorothy Day and Peter Maurin, specifically, the latter’s vision of the “agronomic university.”  The Shanley’s “grease-run” car was also a topic of interest as participants learned about the upkeep, costs and benefits of this vehicle.  Finally, a trip to a local land conservancy trust included a presentation on sustainable forestry practices.   

The days at Agape began with inter-faith prayer services and ended with reflection sessions that included time both for personal sharing and silent meditation.   On the last night participants serenaded each other with guitar and ukulele solos as well as original poems.  On the morning of the last day, clearly attuned to the good times he was missing, a large black bear came for a visit.  As he circled the house, he happily found grease cans that provided a yummy, vegetarian fare for breakfast.  



Tics, rain, and a formidable furry friend did not prevent the Iona contingent from benefiting greatly from this enlightening, educational week provided by the hospitable and inspiring Agape hosts and founders, Brayton and Suzanne.



-Carl Procario-Foley, Phd.