The Care for Our Common Home
“When we speak of the ‘environment’, what we really mean is a relationship existing between nature and the society which lives in it...Everything is connected. Concern for the environment thus needs to be joined to a sincere love for our fellow human beings and an unwavering commitment to resolving the problems of society. Each community...has the duty to protect the earth...for coming generations.” (Pope Francis, Laudato sí)
WHAT IS THE CARE FOR OUR COMMON HOME?
Inspired by the spirit of St. Francis of Assisi, patron saint of animals, ecology, and the environment, the Franciscan Sisters of Tiffin, Ohio have Care of Creation as one of their guiding principles. Their Directional Statement recognizes “our oneness with all creation” and they grieve “the desecration of the earth” so the congregation has committed to “reverence creation and to be in harmony with it.” They are also in the process of expanding this, says Sister Leanne Kerschner, to include practical ways in which they live out Care For Our Common Home, and the examples are numerous.
HOW DO THE SISTERS OF ST. FRANCIS PRACTICE THE CARE FOR OUR COMMON HOME?
The Tiffin Sisters of St Francis often say that they hear “the cry of the earth,” which has motivated them to take some key actions in this regard. They founded the Franciscan Earth Literacy Center (FELN) in the 1980’s based on the dream of one member of their congregation and still serve as a sponsor of this now independent non-profit. The FELN is situated on land owned by the sisters that encompasses both woods and wetlands and is dedicated to environmental education and community programs. The Seeds of Hope Farm was started in 2004 as part of FELN and grows sustainably produced food for the community. In 2007, the congregation took the important step to safeguard their 347 acres of land by entering into an agreement with Black Swamp Conservancy to ensure this land is preserved for future generations to enjoy.
The sisters also continue to raise awareness for “Care of Creation” within the broader community. They lead by example in their daily lives through water and energy conservation and reducing their carbon footprint. In 2024, they organized a two-day assembly for the public dedicated to Pope Francis’ Laudato sí and promoted a showing of “The Letter: A Message for Our Earth.” The congregation also advocates for government policy changes consistent with “Care for our Common Home.”
WHAT IS THE IMPACT?
The Franciscan Sisters’ property serves as a place of contemplation for everyone to enjoy. Countless young people and adults have taken advantage of the education and hands-on experiences offered by the Franciscan Earth Literacy Center. The FELC also hires people with various disabilities because “we just always respect everyone for who they are,” says Sister Leanne. The produce hydroponically grown year-round in several FELC greenhouses and grown in traditional garden plots during the summer at Seeds of Hope is sold to the community and some restaurants. The sisters offer garden plots on their land for people to grow their own food and have also given grants for garden plots in the city of Tiffin in collaboration with Seneca County’s Common Ground. There is even a subscription service for weekly produce baskets available to people no longer able to garden.
HOW CAN YOU GET INVOLVED?
You can support the Sisters of St. Francis in Tiffin, Ohio by getting involved with the Franciscan Earth Literacy Center and/or Seeds of Hope. Opportunities with the FELC range from serving on the Board of Trustees to participating in the various programs offered for adults and children. For Seeds of Hope, you can purchase produce or a community garden.