Pope Francis has called upon everyone to embark on a seven-year journey towards integral ecology. This call is open to individuals, parishes, organizations and universities. The Laudato Si’ Action Platform is a global network allowing everyone a chance to collaborate and share their progress.
In the fall of 2022, President Petillo officially responded to this call and Sacred Heart University is now on the University Pathway alongside other universities to work towards responding to the “cry of the earth,” and the “cry of the poor." Since then, a dedicated committee of faculty, staff and students has worked tirelessly to implement campus-wide initiatives grounded in an inclusive Catholic spirituality and a deep concern for environmental and social justice. In recognition of this growing work and its significance for our university mission, the Laudato Si’ Initiative officially became the Laudato Si’ Office of Sustainability & Social Justice in 2025.
At SHU, the Laudato Si’ Office of Sustainability & Social Justice (LSOSSJ) commits to nurturing an “ecological conversion” among all community members–students, faculty and staff–inspired by Pope Francis’ call to awaken a profound respect and care for our common home through comprehensive spiritual and intellectual formation.
To establish SHU as the leading Catholic university in the Northeast, promoting conferences, projects and initiatives that implement Pope Francis’ call to action both here on campus, across the university and in collaboration with Catholic colleges and universities in the region.
Chelsea King, Ph.D.
Director of LSOSSJ
Martire Center W338
203-365-4154
kingc2@sacredheart.edu
Imani Jean-Gilles
Graduate Assistant
laudatosi@sacredheart.edu
Kathy Katts
Assistant Director of LSOSSJ
Melady Hall ADM 110
203-371-7872
kattsk@sacredheart.edu
General Email: laudatosi@sacredheart.edu
Every Thursday at 12:15 p.m. through November 13
Laudato Si’ Prayer Garden | West Campus
Led in collaboration with SHU Fit, these 30-minute walks will take place every Thursday at 12:15 p.m. Meet us at the Laudato Si’ Prayer Garden (outside Pios Kitchen on the first floor of the west building at West Campus) where we will begin with a prayer and then head to the walking paths. Let’s walk together toward wellness, connection and care for our common home!
Tuesday, October 7, 2025 | 2 p.m. | Chapel Quad
Join us on the Chapel Quad for a meditative sound session featuring crystal and Himalayan bowls, chimes, gongs, drums, bells, flutes and more. Led by certified instructor Diane Barnett of Grounded Meditation.
Visit our events page for more information.
Laudato Si' walking trail at West Campus
Fr. Emiel Abalahin, right, blesses one of the Laudato Si’ Contemplative Gardens at Sacred Heart University's West Campus (west building location).
Laudato Si 2025 Earth Day Drum Circle on the Pioneer Village Quad
2025 Laudato Si Earth Day Celebration on Pioneer Pavilion
At the 2025 Laudato Si Earth Day Celebration, guests learn about worm composting.
Diane Barnett of Grounded Meditation hosted a meditative sound session on the chapel quad, featuring crystal and Himalayan bowls, chimes, gongs and other instruments.
A recycling receptacle outside of the Chapel of the Holy Spirit - just one of many across campus
As part of our dedication to Laudato Si’, solar panels were installed on the roof of SHU’s Christian Brotherhood School in Dingle, Ireland, to help produce energy for the building.
Meditation garden benches at the chapel
Courtyard Contemplative Gardens on SHU's West Campus
People sitting in the Courtyard Contemplative Garden
Students potting plants on Earth Day
Drum circle on the Pioneer Village Upper Quad
Students playing instruments for Drum Circle
