The Catholic Archdiocese of Lilongwe has stepped up efforts aimed at engaging young people in environmental conservation and also to strengthen the capacity training of catechists through two new pastoral initiatives.
The Pastoral department of the Archdiocese is set to implement the two initiatives in all the deaneries within the Archdiocese.
Archdiocesan Pastoral Coordinator Father Frank Lazaro Phiri, said the programmes are intended to strengthen the Church’s role in promoting environmental responsibility and developing effective catechists.
Fr Phiri made the remarks on Tuesday at Msamba Conference Centre in Lilongwe during a project briefing meeting for deans and youth chaplains from across the Archdiocese.
Father Phiri said the Laudato Si’ initiative is aimed at encouraging young people to take greater responsibility for protecting the environment.
“Pope Francis, in his letter Laudato Si’, talked about taking care of Mother Earth because it is our home. If you have a house, you do not destroy your home, but you improve and protect it,” Fr Phiri said.
Father Phiri said the meeting also provided an opportunity to identify practical ways of promoting environmental activities among young people while strengthening support for catechists.
He said catechists play a critical role in teaching and strengthening the faith of Christians and, therefore, the Church needs to ensure that capable and committed people are selected for the role.
“We need catechists who will do a good job when chosen because we understand that they are the ones who spend more time teaching Christians about the faith of the Church. We are therefore encouraging the selection of capable and talented people who can help the Church grow,” he said.
Meanwhile, Dean of Mchinji Deanery, Father Constantine Mgunda, said encouraging young people to plant and care for trees can help in addressing deforestation and the effects of climate change.
“This project of tree planting will help the deanery reduce deforestation and improve the environment across the country,” said Father Mgunda.
Lilongwe Archdiocesan Youth Chaplain, Father Francis Chibota, said the youth ministry will take a leading role in raising awareness among young people and other Christians about the importance of protecting the environment.
He said young people will be encouraged to plant and care for trees in their communities and homes while also encouraging others to take part in environmental conservation.
“We will take a very big responsibility to teach the youth to understand the importance of taking care of trees and being part of protecting them. We will also encourage them to teach their friends so that the country can continue to have a good environment,” he said.
The two projects will be implemented with financial and technical support from Missio Aachen and Aid to the Church in Need, respectively.