Catholic Sisters Week, March 8-14, 2023, celebrates the selfless and invaluable contributions of Catholic Sisters. The Sisters of Charity of Nazareth, who have been serving communities for over 200 years, are among those honored this week. Among their contributions have been to provide health care, education, and vocational training to marginalized communities, care for the environment, and advocate for social justice and human rights.

For the Sisters of Charity of Nazareth, caring for the earth is an essential part of their mission. The Sisters’ commitment to the environment is an extension of their belief in social justice and human dignity. In recent years, the Sisters of Charity of Nazareth have made significant strides in reducing their environmental impact and promoting sustainability. This includes implementing sustainable practices in their own facilities and advocating for environmental justice in the communities they serve.

In Kentucky, where the Sisters of Charity of Nazareth was founded, they have taken steps to reduce their carbon footprint. They have installed solar panels on their buildings, implemented energy-efficient lighting and appliances, and have promoted the use of electric vehicles. Land management initiatives have helped pollinator habitats flourish. They have also created community gardens and composting and recycling programs to reduce waste and promote sustainable agriculture. In Pittsburgh, Sisters have adopted sustainable landscaping efforts.

The Sisters of Charity of Nazareth’s commitment to the environment extends far beyond their own facilities. They also work to raise awareness about environmental issues and to advocate for policies that promote sustainability and protect the earth’s natural resources. This includes speaking out against environmental injustices and climate issues.

In India, the Sisters of Charity of Nazareth have been particularly active in promoting environmental sustainability. They have implemented rainwater harvesting systems in their places of ministry, which help to conserve water in regions prone to drought. They have also worked to reduce the use of plastics, and created community gardens and tree planting programs, which not only promote sustainable agriculture but also help to combat climate change.

For the Sisters of Charity of Nazareth, caring for the earth is not just an abstract concept, but a concrete expression of their faith and commitment to social justice. They see the environment as a gift from God, and believe that it is our responsibility to protect it for future generations. As we face the challenges of climate change and environmental degradation, the Sisters of Charity of Nazareth provide a powerful example of how individuals and communities can make a difference by taking action to promote sustainability and protect the earth. Learn more about how the Sisters of Charity of Nazareth care for the earth by visiting the Office of Ecological Sustainability page.