Sister Damien Marie Savino Speaks on Ecology, Theology April 22, Saint Meinrad

Saint Meinrad Seminary and School of Theology will host Sister Damien Marie Savino, FSE, Ph.D., in St. Bede Theater on April 22 for a 9:30–10:45 a.m. Central time lecture titled “Ecology and Theology: Listening to Reality with ‘the Ear of the Heart’.” The lecture is free and open to the public, and parking is available at the St. Bede, Guest House, and student parking lots.

Sister Damien Marie arrives with interdisciplinary credentials that cross engineering and theology. She holds a Ph.D. in civil (environmental) engineering and an M.A. in theology from The Catholic University of America, and an M.S. in soil and plant science from the University of Connecticut. Her academic appointments include serving as Dean of Science and Sustainability at Aquinas College in Grand Rapids, Michigan, Melchor Visiting Professor of Civil and Environmental Engineering and Earth Sciences at the University of Notre Dame, and Concurrent Professor at the McGrath Institute for Church Life.

Saint Meinrad and diocesan materials describe Sister Damien Marie’s scientific research focus on environmental remediation of soil and groundwater contamination, the environmental impacts of endocrine-disrupting chemicals, and the application of resilience theory to ecosystem health. Notre Dame supported her book writing through fellowships, and the University hosted her earlier seminar series linking integral ecology and creation language.

The April 22 talk will center on integral ecology and practical responses framed by Catholic social teaching. According to diocesan materials, the lecture will address the question, “What is integral ecology, and how can it bring about hope in troubled times? What can it offer to Catholics and to all people of good will?” The diocesan release adds that “integral ecology can be a beacon for hope and praise.” The Franciscan Sisters of the Eucharist describe her broader approach: “By engaging her expertise in science and theology, Sister Damien Marie frames integral ecology as a pilgrimage guided by a process of listening and learning the language of creation.”

Saint Meinrad’s announcement links the lecture to Sister Damien Marie’s recent book, Learning the Language of Creation: Catholic Social Teaching and Integral Ecology, which Liturgical Press is scheduled to publish in January 2026 and which is available for pre-order in paperback and e-book, with hard copies arriving in January. A diocesan biography had earlier referenced a 2025 publication expectation; the Franciscan Sisters’ announcement supplying publisher and month sets January 2026 as the publication timing. Sister Damien Marie is also developing a Kellogg project titled “Educating for Laudato Si’: Engineering for Integral Ecology” to propose principles for revivifying engineering education in light of integral ecology.

Saint Meinrad notes the event operates on Central time and lists Krista Hall as the contact for more information; members of the public may call 812-357-6501 during business hours. The lecture will bring an engineer-theologian voice from Notre Dame and the Franciscan Sisters of the Eucharist to conversations about ecological restoration, resilience, and how Catholic teaching might inform local and regional stewardship practices.