by Sister Jennifer Halling, OSB
Benedictine Sisters of Mount St. Scholastica
Sister Elizabeth Carrillo has always had a strong connection with the natural world, where she has a sense of something “greater and other and good.” She’s been collecting leaves and bugs since she was a toddler and says, “Being outdoors was always where I felt most myself.”
When it came time to pursue graduate studies, the master of arts degree in religion and the environment at the University of the South School of Theology in Sewanee, Tennessee, seemed like a good fit. Sister Elizabeth says, “This degree program was attractive because of its emphasis on the interconnectedness of all creation and the understanding that our covenant with God, the human community, and the earth is of a piece.” She also notes, “The connection between the environment and religion is not a new thing. The scriptures show that creation is good, that it was brought forth in love, that God wants everything to flourish, and that we should desire that too.”
In addition to taking classes such as Environmental Politics and Policy and American Environmental Literature for her master’s degree, Sister Elizabeth earned a certificate in contemplation and care of creation through a one-year program offered through the Center for Deep Green Faith. She became the communications manager for this center, which focuses on making presentations for individuals and faith communities regarding eco-theology, eco-spirituality, and contemplative practices to deepen faith and a responsible way of life on earth.
Sister Elizabeth also had the opportunity to foster her other great passion — music — during her time at the School of Theology. She was a member of the Schola Cantorum, the University’s premier chamber choir that sang weekly Evensong and Compline services, and she played violin in a Spanish Eucharist ensemble. From July 11-24, 2022, Sister Elizabeth traveled with the Schola Cantorum to Europe for two weeklong residencies at St. Mary’s Cathedral in Edinburgh and Westminster Abbey in London.
Now that she’s back in Atchison, Sister Elizabeth has numerous projects and speaking engagements planned. She will teach a class on eco-spirituality for the Souljourners program, co-lead a retreat with Sister Judith Sutera on monastic spirituality and agrarian theology at St. Benedict Center in Schuyler, Nebraska, work on designing internships for Benedictine College students who are interested in environmental studies, and make presentations to Kansas land steward groups affiliated with the Episcopal Church. She also would like to design a residential environmental internship at the Mount for people outside of the college setting.
Guided by St. Benedict’s teachings on humility, Sister Elizabeth looks forward to exploring how a Benedictine ethos can lead to a more relational approach to care of the earth that will help heal and renew the world.
