We Are All Interconnected – Integral Ecology at the Heart of Province Ecological Justice Commitments
By Nick Napolitano
Provincial Assistant for Justice, Ecology and Reconciliation
Image: Palau’s Ancient Terraces
What does it mean for us to care for our common home, to respond to the call of Laudato Si’ and the fourth Universal Apostolic Preference, and to engage more freely in the mission of ecological justice as envisioned in our province Apostolic Plan? To embark on a journey toward integral ecology, we must recognize how deeply interconnected our lives, communities, ministries, and the world around us truly are.
On July 8, 2026, then USA East Provincial Fr. Joseph O’Keefe, SJ announced ecological justice initiatives emerging out of our province apostolic plan in a letter to all Jesuits and Directors of Works. Our province Apostolic Plan prioritizes deep and meaningful engagement of individuals and institutions in the mission of ecological justice. These initiatives emerged out of a task force of 13 ecology leaders from across apostolic institutions who spent the last year exploring ways our province can better form leaders for integral ecology; encourage sustainable community living; and harness the energy, ideas and leadership from our apostolic works to care for our common home.
Here are some of the new initiatives that will emerge over the next 12 months.
This summer, Boston College faculty members Dr. Daniel Scheid and Dr. Jaime Waters from the Clough School for Theology and Ministry (CSTM) visited the Kasisi Agricultural Training Center near Lusaka, Zambia to plan for a summer 2027 Living Laudato Si’ immersion course. USA East Jesuits in formation, along with lay students at BC CSTM, will discuss how to weave ideas of integral ecology in their ministry alongside small farmers and faculty at the agricultural school.
In October, superiors of USA East Jesuit communities will discuss ways to adopt sustainability practices and consider plans to deepen community ecological commitments.
Beginning in the fall of 2026, ecology leaders from across apostolic institutions will gather virtually each quarter to learn, share ideas and support one another in our efforts to animate the call of Laudato Si’. Leaders should contact Nick Napolitano to request an invitation to participate.
Fr. Bryan Galligan, SJ recorded the video message below during time in Micronesia this summer following his ordination. Bryan reflects that the USA East Province’s presence in Micronesia should remind us that the ways we live and preach the Gospel wherever we are impact the lives and livelihoods of people everywhere we are.
Several of the initiatives seek to place Micronesia at the center of our consciousness, recognizing the need for us to walk with, listen to, and learn from our colleagues who are feeling the effects of the climate crisis and acting with urgency. Jennifer Eagleton, a member of the Ecological Justice Task Force and staff member at Georgetown University, conducted a planning visit this summer to prepare for a Laudato Si’ Pilgrimage to Micronesia with 15 apostolic leaders in the summer of 2027. The Province is supporting new research in Micronesia through Fairfield University’s Center for Climate, Coastal and Marine Studies.
With the launch of the Season of Creation on September 1, there are several ways for individuals and institutions to engage in the work of ecological justice. Jesuit and Ignatian Spirituality Australia now offers a weekly email with prayers for the Season of Creation. The Laudato Si’ Movement provides a Season of Creation celebration guide and has organized an online prayer service. The Jesuits for Climate Justice campaign released a policy brief and statement in advance of COP 31; individuals and institutions can sign on in support. The Global Ignatian Advocacy Network for ecology – Ecojesuit – will have additional resources to promote engagement in COP 31.
Images courtesy of Jennifer Eagleton.
