Gold Mass and Lecture

Sep
17

Gold Mass and Lecture

Sister Damien Marie Savino, FSE, Ph.D.

5:15 p.m.–8:00 p.m., September 17, 2026   |   Basilica of the Sacred Heart

Gold Mass and Lecture

  • 5:15 pm | Gold Mass for Scientists and Engineers
    Basilica of the Sacred Heart
  • 6:15 pm | Reception (light refreshments) and book signing
    Jordan Hall of Science Galleria
  • 7:15 pm | Lecture: Sr. Damien Marie Savino, FSE, Ph.D.
    105 Jordan Hall of Science

What does it mean to “learn the language of creation,” and why is this especially important in an increasingly technological age? How can science and theology be of service to this pursuit? In this Gold Mass lecture, Sister Damien Marie Savino, FSE, Ph.D., explores these questions in light of her recently published book, Learning the Language of Creation: Catholic Social Teaching and Integral Ecology, in conversation with themes in the papal encyclical Magnifica Humanitas. She aims to show how science and theology can help illuminate the language of creation in complementary ways and together enrich our humanity, as well as our understanding of, and care for, the created world.

Sister Damien Marie Savino, FSE, Ph.D. is a Franciscan Sister of the Eucharist currently serving as the Melchor Visiting Professor of Engineering at the University of Notre Dame, with a concurrent appointment at the McGrath Institute for Church Life. Previously, she served as Dean of Science and Sustainability at Aquinas College in Grand Rapids, Michigan. She holds a Master’s degree in Soil Science from The University of Connecticut and Master’s and Ph.D. degrees in Theology and Engineering from The Catholic University of America. She received the Distinguished Engineering Alumni Award in 2022 from The Catholic University of America in recognition of her interdisciplinary work. She is a Board Member of the Society of Catholic Scientists, as well as a member of the Academy of Catholic Theology and the American Ecological Engineering Society.

A professional portrait of Sr. Damien Marie Savino, FSE, a woman with short brown hair wearing glasses and a black habit. She is smiling, with a blurred indoor background featuring warm lighting and architectural details.