By Jenny Beatrice, Director of Region Communications, United States/Toronto Region

In the southern coal mining region of Pennsylvania, USA, our Good Shepherd values have called us to stand with people who are working to preserve their communities, protect the environment, and safeguard quality of life for future generations. Recently, Our Lady of Charity of the Good Shepherd had the opportunity to do just that by lending our voice in support of residents of the small town of St. Clair who are opposing a possible landfill expansion.

The issue centered on 177 acres of land currently owned by a group of heirs from the Seitzinger family. Years ago, the family left a one percent ownership interest in the property to the Congregation. Waste disposal company BRADS Landfill sought to acquire the land from the heirs, with the expectation that the property would be used to create new waste landfills.

Because not all heirs could be located, the petitioners pursued legal proceedings known as a quiet title action. This process allows a court to resolve questions of ownership and clear title so that property can be sold.

With limited resources to challenge the proposal, local residents relied on determination and persistence. Through research and outreach, one of the young men from the community discovered the sisters’ ownership interest in the property and contacted us. Following conversations and an in-person meeting with the Regional Leadership Team and Director of Regional Administration Tom Casey, the team decided to stand with the residents and participate in the process. The team chose to send Sr. Gayle Lwanga to represent the U.S. | Toronto Region of Our Lady of Charity of the Good Shepherd in a court hearing in Schuylkill County.

In an interview with the Schuylkill County News, Sr. Gayle explained the principles behind that decision.

“It’s important because we not only care about people and the individual worth of people,” she said. “We also care about the Earth and any disturbance of the ecosystems. The entire universe is connected. It’s all connected. So that’s why we care because we care about people and we care about the Earth.”

Her words reflect the Congregation’s Position on Integral Ecology, which recognizes that the wellbeing of human communities and the wellbeing of the Earth cannot be separated. It calls us to consider decisions about land and natural resources in light of environmental justice, the common good, and the sustainability of future generations. It also encourages political action alongside communities whose lives and surroundings are directly affected. In St. Clair, this meant using even a small legal interest in the property to help ensure that residents’ concerns were heard.

On July 8, 2026, a court hearing was held regarding the proposed sale. Sr. Gayle attended on behalf of the Sisters of the Good Shepherd to formally oppose the action. Because a known heir with an ownership interest appeared and objected to the proceedings, the court was unable to grant the quiet title action as requested. Instead, the judge directed the petitioners to refile their case within 60 days if they wished to continue pursuing the matter.

Following the hearing, the community was overwhelmed with gratitude. Approximately 50 residents of St. Clair gathered inside the courthouse. When the judge left the courtroom, the crowd stood and applauded our sisters for being physically present and, more importantly, for standing alongside them in their effort to protect their community.

As the situation continues to unfold, we remain committed to the values that guided our decision to participate. Our commitment to integral ecology reminds us that care for people, care for communities, and care for the Earth form part of one interconnected responsibility. When opportunities arise to support people, honor creation, and advocate for the common good, we will continue to stand up for our values.

Learn more about the story in local newspaper Coal Region Canary, here.