The establishment of the Laudato Si’ Office of Sustainability and Social Justice (LSOSSJ) was announced on Sept. 11 after SHU joined the initiative in 2022.
For Dr. Chelsea King, LSOSSJ director and professor of Catholic studies, becoming an office not only gives the work more visibility, but helps promote themes of sustainability and social justice into the Sacred Heart culture.
Source: Courtesy of the Sacred Heart University Website
Source: Courtesy of the Sacred Heart University Website
“It allows us to work across all divisions—academic departments, student life, operations and mission—ensuring that care for creation and social responsibility are woven into every part of campus life,” King said.
“We are working hard to create positive change for the university and the planet,” said Dr. Todd Matthews, professor of sociology, criminology and criminal justice–and, most recently, a member of the newly-established Laudato Si’ advisory board.
The Feb. 15, 2022, SHU Newsroom post announced that President Dr. John J. Petillo signed a commitment to participate in the Laudato Si’ Platform, started by the late Pope Francis in 2021. According to the SHU Newsroom post from 2022, Pope Francis’ call to action includes seven goals: a response to the poor, to the earth, ecological economics, adoption of sustainable lifestyles, ecological education, ecological spirituality and community empowerment. Since then, the mission has remained the same but evolved in scope.
The office is currently partnering with Chartwells, the university’s dining vendor, among other organizations. For example, the introduction of the reusable green OZZI containers available to students in dining halls was one sustainability initiative made possible through stakeholder conversations, according to King.
Beyond that, King said the Earth Week celebration, which hosted sustainable vendors, workshops, art installations and other initiatives spanning wellness and education represent the growth of the movement at SHU.
“It’s becoming a lived reality that shapes the culture of the university,” said King. The programs are meant to connect learning, reflection and action, “helping students see how sustainability and justice are integral to their education and formation.”
However, sophomore biology major Maria Clara Bragagnolo Rose said, “I hope they’re going to carry out more campuswide initiatives [now that Laudato Si’ is an office] and information sessions to bring the community together to care about something.”
“As a school as a whole we have initiatives that focus on sustainability, but we are not doing enough as a student body,” said Rose.
Dr. Todd Matthews is a sociologist and organizational scholar with experience in research and the overlap of environmental and social issues.
“I am one of the primary researchers involved with creating and implementing the SHU Poll, which is a nationally-representative survey that is run in partnership with the LSOSSJ initiative,” Matthews said.
According to the LSOSSJ “Research and Initiatives” page on the Sacred Heart website, the office is continuing the initiative between the university and GreatBlue Research partner. The most recent poll project listed is the “National Poll on United States Youth on Sustainability, Social Justice, Climate Change and the Role of Higher Education” from September 2024. This poll surveyed a random sample of 2,000 U.S. residents between the ages of 15 and 29 and found that nearly three in four U.S. youth worry about climate change, among other findings, according to the official report.
Students are central to the work of the Laudato Si’ office.
“They serve on committees, help plan events, lead wellness initiatives, and participate in research projects,” said King.
Interested students can get involved via the SHU Environmental Club or by volunteering at events. Upcoming events include “Wellness Walks” every Thursday at 12:15 p.m., and the “Letting Go with Sound Healing” event Oct. 7 at 2 p.m. on Chapel Quad.
“Catholic Intellectual Tradition and Catholic Social Teaching make this an initiative of critical importance for the university,” said Matthews. “It really inspires us to be better in stewardship of the planet and in support of the human dignity of every person.”
