Reverend Joseph E. Kurtz, D.D. Bishop | Archdiocese of Louisville

Passionist provinces in the United States have been turning to solar energy to power their work in response to Pope Francis' encyclical "Laudato Si'." The Holy Cross Province, headquartered in Illinois, is one of the provinces that have made the shift to solar energy. The Sacred Heart Monastery in Louisville, a part of this province, launched its solar energy project in 2022, consisting of 60 panels on the roof of its carport.

Passionist Brother John Monzyk, the monastery's superior, explained their decision to opt for solar panels, saying, "We had considered using generators at first, but ruled them out due to size and maintenance decisions." The solar panels charge two batteries, providing backup energy for the kitchen and pantry areas, which are essential for keeping food safe.

The Passionist provinces have partnered with Catholic Energies, an organization that assists Catholic facility owners with solar energy projects. Dan Misleh, the founding executive director of Catholic Climate Covenant, which oversees Catholic Energies, explained their mission, saying, "We seek to assist Catholic facility owners with solar energy projects, and we also encourage Catholic clients to use their new solar array as a teachable moment, reminding their constituents of the need to care for God’s creation."

Father Jim O'Shea, the provincial for the Passionists of St. Paul of the Cross Eastern Province headquartered in New York, also emphasized the benefits of converting to solar energy. He said, "Converting to solar energy from traditional energy has been a big change for our order, and Catholic Energies has two priorities when working with its clients: the creation of clean energy and the saving of money." Passionist sites in New York, West Hartford, Connecticut, and San Juan, Puerto Rico, have already been converted to solar energy.

The move to solar energy not only helps the environment but also provides financial benefits for the monasteries. Brother Monzyk mentioned that the solar investment at the Louisville monastery can annually account for savings of a few hundred dollars by June. Furthermore, the switch protects the monasteries from the increasing costs of traditional energy. According to the U.S. Energy Information Administration, the average monthly electric bill for residential customers increased 13% from 2021-2022. Extreme temperatures and higher fuel costs for power plants have played a significant role in driving up electric bills.

Besides the financial savings, the transition to solar energy also requires minimal maintenance. Father Joe Mitchell, who resides at the Louisville Passionist community, praised Pope Francis' encyclical, calling it "one of the greatest documents of its kind." He highlighted the importance of caring for the Earth, saying, "It highlights perhaps the most pressing needs of our time, especially in how it focuses on the care and non-exploitative sharing of our common home — which is the Earth."

The Passionist provinces' embrace of solar energy demonstrates their commitment to Pope Francis' call for environmental stewardship. By utilizing solar power, these provinces are not only reducing their carbon footprint but also setting an example for others to follow. Through their partnership with Catholic Energies, they are able to make a positive impact on both the environment and their finances.