VILLANOVA, PA — In an attempt to merge faith, sustainability, and education, Villanova University’s Office for Sustainability in Mission and Ministry is launching a series of Fireside Conversations. The inaugural event, titled “Exploring Climate Anxiety through the Lens of Laudate Deum,” will take place on Wednesday, January 31, at the Connelly Center.
This gathering is the first of a two-part series that aims to delve into Pope Francis’s Laudate Deum, his 2023 message on the climate crisis. A collaboration between Villanova and Merrimack College, the event series seeks to foster discussions around the Pope’s urgent call to address the severity and depth of the climate crisis.
The Laudate Deum, issued by the Holy See, underscores the intrinsic link between the Catholic faith and the moral imperative to protect the planet and all its inhabitants. It serves as a reminder that caring for our common home requires immediate and bold action.
The conversation will feature speakers with diverse backgrounds and expertise. Bridget Wadzuk, PhD, Director of Sustainable Engineering and Chair of Civil Engineering at Villanova University’s College of Engineering, will bring her knowledge of urban sustainable and resilient stormwater systems. John J. Lydon, OSA, PhD, from Villanova’s Center for Faith and Learning, will provide insight from his experiences in Peru and his work with the Augustinians. Juliana Kwon ’24 VSB, a senior finance major at the Villanova School of Business, will offer a student perspective on the climate crisis.
The Fireside Conversation is open to attendees worldwide, either in person or by livestream, reflecting the universal relevance of the climate issue. The event also marks the launch of the Office for Sustainability’s University-wide campaign, further solidifying Villanova’s commitment to environmental responsibility.
This event comes at a critical time as the world grapples with the realities of climate change. By addressing climate anxiety through the lens of Laudate Deum, Villanova University and Merrimack College are highlighting the intersection of faith and environmental stewardship.
The Fireside Conversations series is more than an academic exercise – it’s a call to action. It seeks to inspire attendees to reflect on their role in addressing the climate crisis and to consider how their faith can guide them in making sustainable choices. As the conversation unfolds, it aims to foster a sense of collective responsibility and hope, reminding us all that caring for our common home is a shared duty that transcends borders, disciplines, and generations.
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