Sustainable Sisters
In 1990, this Sister founded Science Alliance for Valuing the Environment, better known as S.A.V.E., beginning a lasting legacy of environmental education.
Who is Sr. Rosine?
After Halloween, these colorful pieces of packaging that once held everyone’s favorite treats can be collected and recycled rather than sent to the landfill, giving them a chance at a second life.
What are candy wrappers?
Known as the patron saint of ecology, this beloved saint’s deep love of nature and all creation inspired the Franciscan tradition—and the Sylvania Franciscans.
Who is St. Francis?
At the end of the day, taking this simple step with electronics prevents them from drawing unnecessary “phantom” energy and helps conserve electricity.
What is unplugging?
Unlike ornamental plants, these plants evolved alongside our local climate, soils, and wildlife—providing food, shelter, and habitat for pollinators and other beneficial species. The Sisters have examples of these plantings filled with black-eyed Susans.
What are native?
These two Sisters were instrumental in creating the 1984 black locust crucifix.
Who are Sr. Jeremias and Sr. Grace Ellen
Though invisible to the naked eye, these tiny organisms are the workers behind the scenes in a compost pile, breaking down food scraps and transforming them into nutrient-rich compost.
What are microbes?
Celebrated on February 14, this saint is not only associated with love and friendship—he is also recognized as the patron saint of beekeepers.
Who is St. Valentine?
Before leaving a room, remembering this simple habit can reduce unnecessary electricity use—especially when no one is in the room.
What is turning lights off?
Every fall, this iconic pollinator begins an extraordinary migration south, relying on milkweed along the way—both as a place to lay its eggs and as the only food source for its caterpillars.
What are monarch butterflies?
Before “pollinator gardens” became a sustainability buzzword, this Sister became the congregation’s first beekeeper.
Who is Sr. Elizabeth?
When trees are removed from campus, the grounds crew can give the wood another purpose by processing it into this material, often spreading it around tree rings and planting beds.
What is mulch?
This French saint and bishop, often depicted with in the forest, is traditionally recognized as the patron saint of forestry and trees.
Who is St. Hubert?
Adding one of these to your weekly meal routine can reduce the demand for meat production while introducing more variety into your meals.
What is meatless mean/vegetarian?
After recognizing that the Sisters’ land was not particularly well suited for farming, Mother Adelaide envisioned transforming the property into something more beautiful and intentional. She famously said she wanted the campus to look like this.
What is a park?
This Sister was known for tending to the campus moles and was also a skilled herbalist, using her knowledge of plants and the natural world to care for creation.
Who is Sr. Henrietta?
Following the Zero Waste Luncheon, the Sisters once held this informal campus event, where unwanted items were made available for others to take—keeping useful things out of the waste stream and giving them a new home.
What is the free for all?
Known as the “Little Flower,” this Carmelite saint is associated with flowers and is often invoked by gardeners because of her famous “shower of roses.”
Who is Saint Thérèse of Lisieux?
Bringing these along on a grocery trip is a simple way to avoid single-use plastic bags, reduce plastic waste, and limit the amount of plastic that can eventually break down into microplastics. The difficult part—remembering to bring them.
What are reusable bags?
Archival photographs of the Motherhouse campus reveal a landscape different from today. These were once abundant across the grounds, creating natural gathering places where Sisters could spread out blankets and enjoy picnics among the blooms.
What are wildflowers?
Mother Adelaide trusted this Sister enough to give her authority over gardening decisions. Known for running a tight ship when it came to grounds and maintenance, she helped shape the campus landscape.
Who is Sr. Clementine?
Even in death, the Sisters have embraced a way of returning more gently to the earth. This option allows a person to be laid to rest using practices designed to minimize environmental impact and allow the body to naturally return to the soil.
What is green burial?
Canonized in 2012 as the first Native American saint, this Mohawk woman is honored as a patroness of ecology and the environment. Her childhood experience with smallpox and later life of prayer deepened her connection to creation.
Who is Saint Kateri Tekakwitha?
In Laudato Si’, Pope Francis challenges this cultural mindset that treats products as disposable and prioritizes convenience over long-term care for creation.
What is throwaway culture?
The Motherhouse sits within a rare ecosystem characterized by sandy soils and a unique mix of oak-dominated habitats, prairies, and wetlands. This distinctive landscape is known by this name.
What is Oak Openings?