In a Mass that not only commemorated St. Francis of Assisi but also celebrated Creighton’s commitment to its Climate Action Plan, the Rev. Timothy R. Lannon, S.J. signed the St. Francis Pledge, joining fifteen other Catholic colleges across the country in their commitment to sustainability.
“What are we being asked to do in light of St. Francis Pledge?” Lannon asked during his homily. “In the spirit of St. Francis who was bold, a prophet and lived on the edge, we are called to enter the dialogue to shape public policy on climate change.”
The St. Francis Pledge is a commitment that families, schools, individuals, businesses, and organizations can sign that promotes sustainable living and encourages anyone and everyone to take action on behalf of protecting the environment.
The pledge was created by the Catholic Climate Covenant, an organization that promotes sustainability rooted in Catholic social teaching and provides resources for caring for the environment.
Five points make up the St. Francis Pledge: pray, learn, assess, act and advocate. The steps provide a holistic approach to dealing with environmental issues from a Catholic perspective.
These steps not only encourage participants to reflect on the meaning of sustainability as part of Christian discipleship, but also ask them to take it one step further and do a tangible action through acting and advocating.
At the Mass that celebrated St. Francis and his love for creation, Lannon bolstered Creighton’s goal to become climate neutral by 2050, through the Creighton University Climate Action Plan by signing the pledge.
Lannon took a special moment at the end of the Mass to sign a poster-board representation of the St. Francis Pledge and encouraged those gathered to sign the pledge themselves.
“Our new pope chose the name Francis because of our church’s commitment to the poor and to creation; we need to show solidarity with those affected most by climate change as an institution and as individuals,” Lannon said.
Following Mass, all were invited to attend a free lunch, generously provided and hosted by Dr. Dilly and the Sustainability Council, and participate in discussion on sustainability efforts on and off campus.
Both Dr. Dilly of the sociology department and Mary Duda, the Creighton University Environmental Health & Safety Chemical Coordinator and Sustainability manager, reflected on the importance of the event.
“Sustainability is about renewing relationships to the earth and to each other,” Dilly explained. “We have to do it, we have no choice, but it’s going to be fun! We’re not signing up for something unpleasant, it can be fun.”
Students also highlighted why sustainable efforts were important to them.
“If we weren’t sustainable, we wouldn’t be able to run and function,” Arts & Sciences freshman Ryan Lunn said. “It’s important to take care of what resources we have as a Catholic institution.”
Arts & Sciences senior Katherine Osterman emphasized the impact a learning community like Creighton has on its surrounding community.
“No matter what angle you look at the problem from, it’s a problem,” Osterman said. “We’re exhausting our resources. As far as being a Catholic, Jesuit university, we have a lot of power in what we say. People will rally around what we say and do. It will make a big impact on society.”