A Seven-year Journey

Caring for Our Common Home

In October 2021, Dr. Al Miciak, President of John Carroll University, signed a pledge on behalf of the University to join the first cohort of colleges and universities to answer Pope Francis’ call to join the Vatican’s Seven Year Journey to Become a Laudato Si' Campus." “Laudato Si’,”

Over the next 7 years, we will be one of over a hundred universities to take concrete steps to promote ecological education and simplified lifestyles, reduce our carbon footprint, invest and spend responsibly, and listen carefully to the voices of those who are poor and most adversely affected by climate change.”

Seven Goals to Become a Laudato Si' Campus

The following seven goals which are rooted in Pope Francis' 2015 encyclical letter, Laudato Si' (Praised be) provide guidance on urgent and immediate actions each one of us can take in the care of our common home.

The Response to the Cry of the Earth is a call to protect our common home for the well-being of all, as we equitably address the climate crisis, biodiversity loss, and ecological sustainability. Actions could include the adoption of renewable energies and energy sufficiency measures, achieving carbon neutrality, protecting biodiversity, promoting sustainable agriculture, and guaranteeing access to clean water for all.

The Response to the Cry of the Poor is a call to promote eco-justice, aware that we are called to defend human life from conception to death, and all forms of life on Earth. Actions could include projects to promote solidarity, with special attention given to vulnerable groups such as indigenous communities, refugees, migrants, and children at risk, analysis, and improvement of social systems, and social service programs

Ecological Economics acknowledges that the economy is a sub-system of human society, which itself is embedded within the biosphere–our common home. Actions could include sustainable production and consumption, ethical investments, divestment from fossil fuels and any activity harmful to the planet and the people, supporting circular economies, prioritizing care labor, and protecting the dignity of workers.

The Adoption of Sustainable Lifestyles is grounded in the idea of sufficiency, and promoting sobriety in the use of resources and energy. Actions could include reducing waste and recycling, adopting sustainable dietary habits (opting for a more plant-based diet and reducing meat consumption), greater use of public transport, active mobility (walking, cycling), and avoiding single-use items (e.g. plastic, etc.).

Ecological Education is about re-thinking and re-designing curricular and institutional reform in the spirit of integral ecology to foster ecological awareness and transformative action. Actions could include ensuring equitable access to education for all and promoting human rights, fostering Laudato Si’ themes within the community, encouraging ecological leadership (students, teachers), and ecological restoration activities.

Ecological Spirituality springs from a profound ecological conversion and helps us to “discover God in all things”, both in the beauty of creation and in the sighs of the sick and the groans of the afflicted, aware that the life of the spirit is not dissociated from worldly realities. Actions could include promoting creation-based liturgical celebrations, developing ecological catechesis, retreats, and formation programs, etc.

Community resilience and empowerment envisage a synodal journey of community engagement and participatory action at various levels. Actions could include promoting advocacy and developing people’s campaigns, encouraging rootedness and a sense of belonging in local communities and neighborhood ecosystems.

“All of us can cooperate as instruments of God for the care of creation, each according to his or her own culture, experience, involvements and talents”

(Laudato Si’ 14)