A celebration of the installation of solar panels took place Sunday, October 28, at the Dominican Sisters of Hope Mariandale Retreat and Conference Center on North Highland Avenue. Joining the Dominican Sisters, their associates, and staff of the retreat center, were members of surrounding religious communities, friends of Mariandale, and local environmentalists. Also present were members of the crew from altPower, which installed the solar panels. The firm is dedicated to renewable energy system development, design, and installation, and is headquartered in New York City. The lively celebration included prayer and brief presentations by Sister Catherine McDonnell, Prioress of the Dominican Sisters of Hope, and by Reverend Patricia Ackerman, program coordinator at Garrison Institute in the area of religion and the environment.

Sister Catherine McDonnell, referring to a quote from the book of Genesis, noted: “Today, we welcome a new on-site connection with the sun—an exciting link between the heavens and the earth. This link was encouraged by the profound commitment of our Sister Louise Cababe. Her passionate and persistent challenges inspired in us an active reverence for our environment and the sacredness of all creation…. Our liturgical prayer reminds us that the earth and heavens reach out to each other. This is what we dedicate today—balance, wisdom, and responsibility for our world and for each other.”

Rev. Patricia Ackerman, who has a long history of interfaith social justice work in the NGO and church communities, spoke of the solar panel project as a model for other faith communities. “You’ve brought down the light. You’ve brought down the sun,” she said. “Communities like yours taking extraordinary measures—that will bring hope.” She encouraged the use of displays and providing experiences for students and others to learn about environmental issues. She noted that people are looking to communities of faith to set an example, hopeful that they will move others to action for the betterment of our earth.

A closing prayer, an invitation to “take a look” at the roof from the south side of the building, and refreshments ended the afternoon’s program.

The solar panels were installed during the summer – the final stage in a process begun several months ago. Because the late Sister Louise Cababe was the driving force behind the project, a plaque in her memory is to be installed on the south side of the building. It reads: “The solar panels on the roof above are dedicated to the memory of Sister Louise Cababe, OP for her vision and dedication to a sustainable world. October 2007.”

“More sustainability projects are scheduled at the Center during the upcoming months,” noted Janet Corso, administrator of the Center. She described one project that involves working with a “green” consultant to make the dining room earth-friendly.

Since their founding in 1995, the Dominican Sisters of Hope, who sponsor Mariandale, have had a commitment to environmental issues. The installation of solar panels is one concrete way they have chosen to live out their commitment.

Sisters Beth McCormick (L) and Patricia Magee (R) chat with guest.