The Wheaton Franciscan campus is one of 100 sites around the world – and the only location in Illinois – to be selected to host Earth Summit 2008.

Wheaton Franciscans are organizing Saturday's community-wide event on their 60-acre campus. Working in collaboration with the UN Earth Charter Committee, the focus is addressing issues of climate change. Facilitated by the Wheaton Franciscan Office for Justice, Peace and Integrity of Creation, the Earth Summit will celebrate green endeavors already under way in and around DuPage County, beginning with initiatives in Wheaton, as well as ventures by the county government to promote living green. Ideas and green living will be showcased; and models of environmentally friendly concepts will be featured, such as cooking with solar.

The daylong event begins at 8 a.m. on the Wheaton Franciscan prairie with an interfaith ceremony and procession. The Wheaton Franciscan Motherhouse, Marianjoy Rehabilitation Hospital and other locations on the campus will be utilized for the event. Highlights include between 40 and 50 exhibitors, panel discussions,  presentations, artistic expressions and films. Kay McKeen of the Wheaton Environmental Commission will be on hand to measure our carbon footprint, along with speakers addressing legislative advocacy opportunities concerning global climate change.

The keynote speaker is Joyce Johnson Rouse (Earth Mama). She not only has a master’s degree in environmental studies, but also a Broadway-style song and dance show regarding resource conservation, recycling and composting.

Throughout the day, attendees are invited to experience the celebration of creation-humanity and all species, including the air, water and earth we share. In the spirit of St. Francis, furry and feathered friends are invited as well. A pet blessing is scheduled for 1 p.m.
A roving storyteller – Gordelia – is also slated to attend.

Sister Sheila Kinsey, OSF, a leader of the Francicans’ Justice Office, said, “The Wheaton Franciscan spirit as it concerns the environment stands to promote awareness of the issues, practical suggestions, motivation to action, celebration and networking with like-minded enthusiasts.”

For details, visit www.wheatonfranciscan-jpic.org/earthsummitblog.html.