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Integral Ecology & Sustainability

Spirituality

Eco-Spirituality

In his encyclical Laudato Si’ Pope Francis writes, “nature cannot be regarded as something separate from ourselves or as a mere setting in which we live. We are part of nature, included in it and thus in constant interaction with it” (LS 139).  Pope Francis continues stating, “this leads us not only to marvel at the manifold connections existing among creatures, but also to discover a key to our own fulfillment. The human person grows more, matures more and is sanctified more to the extent that he or she enters into relationships, going out from themselves to live in communion with God, with others and with all creatures. In this way, they make their own that trinitarian dynamism which God imprinted in them when they were created.  Everything is interconnected, and this invites us to develop a spirituality of that global solidarity.” (LS 240)  Xavier University’s Jesuit Catholic tradition acknowledges a world where Creator and creation interact and where, in a profoundly Ignatian way,  God is in all things.  Acknowledging the Pope’s call in Laudato Si’ and our own mission at Xavier University that calls us to “educate each student intellectually, morally, and spiritually … the Xavier community challenges and supports all our members as we cultivate lives of reflection, compassion and informed action.”  We strive to develop an understanding of an eco-spirituality at Xavier, an understanding that recognizes and reflects on our interconnectedness in nature and the natural world’s ability to show the Divine.  We do this at Xavier through the following programs:

  • AoC Toolbox
    • Learn more about Laudato Si' and how you can adopt sustainable lifestyles.
  • Daily Examen
    • Learn about St. Ignatius Loyola's Examen, a peaceful prayer to bring forth awareness to the movement of God in our day.
  • Laudato Si' Conference
    • Learn about Sustainability Initiatives at the Archdiocese of Cincinnati Conference hosted by Xavier University in 2025!
  • MJG Labyrinth
    • Learn about Xavier's outdoor labyrinth that assists one in finding God in their daily life.
  • Taizé Prayer
    • Learn about the meditative prayer that asks Christ to be present in our lives.