Lourdes University Answers Pope Francis’ Call with Laudato Si’ Commitment
Lourdes University announced its commitment to becoming a Laudato Si’ University during the feast of St. Francis of Assisi. Dr. Bill Bisset, President of Lourdes University, unveiled this decision, highlighting the deep-rooted dedication of the Sisters of St. Francis to Pope Francis’ Encyclical.
“Lourdes University is answering Pope Francis’ call with enthusiasm and purpose. By embracing the Laudato Si’ Action Platform, we are enriching our environmental programs and strengthening our resolve to be responsible stewards of our planet and advocates for the marginalized,” said Dr. Bisset.
This week, Dr. Bisset formally notified the Vatican’s Dicastery for Promoting Integral Human Development of the Lourdes’ intention to begin the 7-year process to become a Laudato Si’ University by receiving the Vatican designation of essential and extensive sustainability efforts.
Lourdes University joins a global community of colleges and universities dedicated to addressing environmental challenges. Pope Francis invites universities to:
- Enrich their environmental programs and activities by uniting them in a shared commitment to integral ecology.
- Bolster existing and new transformative nonviolent actions that advance Pope Francis’ 7 Laudato Si’
- Create opportunities for ecological conversion that open minds and hearts to the sacred task of caring for our common home.
- Join a global partnership of universities striving together to heal the Earth and society.
The first year is dedicated to community building, resource sharing, and developing plans to achieve the goals. Five years of concrete actions follow, capped by a year “to praise and thank God.”
Lourdes University is proud to align its mission with the Sisters of St. Francis of Sylvania, Ohio, in embracing Laudato Si’ and committing to a sustainable future for all. “We are called to recognize the sacredness of Earth and engage in meaningful efforts toward social change. Laudato Si’ provides us with a guide to action as a Catholic and Franciscan institution. It compels us to rebuild our relationship with one another and with our common home,” said Sister Barbara Vano, OSF, VP of Mission and Ministry at Lourdes University.