Laudato Si' Program

In August 2022, Manhattan College president, Br. Daniel Gardner, FSC, committed to a seven- year journey toward integral ecology: a pathway to become recognized as a Laudato Si University and has established April 21, 2023, as our inaugural Laudato Si' Day. Inspired by the encyclical issued by Pope Francis on “The Care of our Common Home,” and commemorating Earth Day, the program offers a wide array of community events focused on education and action for sustainability and environmental justice.

 

Laudato Si' Action Platform

Thursday, April 20 I 9:00 a.m.

Virtual event: Global Inspirations: A Shared Dialogue on Lasallian Commitments to Sustainability

The elements of the Laudato Si' Action Platform and the Laudato Si' 7-year Journey will be presented. International panelists will share current sustainability initiatives at Lasallian institutions throughout the world and identify possible priorities for global collaboration. Hosted by the International Association of Lasallian Universities (IALU) and St. Mary’s College, California. 

     

Van Cortlandt Dogwood Junction Activity

Thursday, April 20 I 10 a.m. - noon

Meet at the green space at Manhattan College Parkway and Broadway, southwest corner

Join the clean up and planting of the green space at Manhattan College Parkway and Broadway. Sponsored by the Center for Urban Resilience and Environmental Sustainability. A collaboration with the Green Club and the VanCortlandt Park Alliance.

 

Forest Restoration at Van Cortlandt Park

Friday, April 21 I 9 a.m. - noon

Meet at Broadway and Manhattan College Parkway, the work will take place at the VCPA Garden & Compost Site at 6394 Broadway

Led by the School of Engineering, Department of Environmental Engineering. Join Van Cortlandt Park Alliance (VCPA) at one of their Forest Restoration Friday events. Attendees assist with seasonal work such as removal of trees and shrubs, preparing planting sites, planting, and a wide assortment of other projects. Forest Restoration Fridays are a great way to learn about forest ecology and get your hands dirty in protecting this wonderful resource! 

 

Neighborhood Clean-up

Friday, April 21 I Noon

Meet at Brust Park (across the street from the Main Guard Booth)

Join members of the Student Athlete Advisory Committee (SAAC), as well as members of Student Government, as they join forces to help clean up the local Riverdale neighborhood. This is an opportunity to clean up our streets and to bring pride to the community and the Jasper Nation. All cleaning supplies and materials will be provided — please wear comfortable clothing.

 

Guided Hike - Van Cortlandt Park Trail

Friday, April 21 I 1 - 3 p.m.

Meet at the front entrance to Kelly Commons

Led by the Fitness Center and the JasperFit Mentors, we’ll walk over together to Van Cortlandt Park and take in the spring sights of the beautiful trail. Please make sure to wear comfortable walking shoes.

 

Welcome to Laudato Si' Day - Blessing of the Quadrangle Trees

Friday, April 21 I 1 - 1:30 p.m.

Meet outside Squeri Hall

Welcome by Brother Daniel Gardner, FSC, President

Blessing of the Quadrangle Trees by Reverand Thomas Franks, OFM Cap

 

Sustainability Education and Action Fair

Friday, April 21 I 12 - 3 p.m.

Meet at the Quadrangle

Overshoot Day

Sponsored by the KAO Environmental Science and Studies Honor Society: a contest to guess the day in 2023 when humans will “overshoot” the capacity of the earth to regenerate.

Electronic Recycling Drop-Off

Bring your old devices and batteries. Sponsored by Physical Plant.

Plant-Based Food Sampling and Compostable Water Bottles

Sponsored by Aramark Dining Services.

Green Club Community Engagement

Learn how Vegan Botanica works to educate and promote a more sustainable way of living and advocates for the use of organic products. Students can volunteer in their micro-green farming spaces to further educate and give back to the community. Sponsored by the Green Club.

Green Club Sustainable Fashion

All remaining clothes donated.

Tour of Chrysostom Hall green initiatives

Recent renovation tour led by Facilities. Meet outside Chrysostom Hall at 2 p.m.

Fair Trade environmental impact education

Sponsored by Campus Ministry and Social Action.

Student Research Posters

Bronx River House and sustainability, Hester and Priro’s Pond water testing (VC Park), Air quality and asthma, Reimagine the Cross Bronx Expressway.

 

Leo Greenhouse Opening

Friday, April 21 I 3 - 4 p.m.

Meet at Leo Hall, 5th Floor

To cap off the day’s events, celebrate the opening of the newly revived greenhouse at Leo Hall. Help set up the garden and enjoy light refreshments. Sponsored by the Environmental Studies Program, CURES and the Green Club.

 

Laudato Si' Resources

Issued by Pope Francis in 2015, the Encyclical Laudato Si, was an invitation  to “every person on this planet to take care of the Earth, our common home.” In 2018, this call was renewed with the Global Compact on Education.

This coincides with the United Nations 2030 Agenda for Sustainable Development signed by 195 countries: people, planet prosperity, peace and  partnership.

Read Responding to the Global Compact on Education through Laudato Si: Together Toward Integral Ecology,” by Diana P. Loera Rodriguez