The Pastoral Office of the Archdiocese of Lilongwe says if young people understand the theology of environment in relation to Laudato Si , the youth can take full responsibility in protecting the environment within their communities and across the country.
This was said at St. Augustine Mtengowanthenga Parish in the Archdiocese of Lilongwe during the promotion of the Laudato Si project, which the Pastoral Office is implementing among youths in all deaneries.
Speaking during the training, Father Frank Lazarus Phiri emphasized the relationship between the Sacraments and the environment.
He highlighted that the Sacrament of Baptism and Confirmation rely on natural elements such as water and oil which comes from trees, showing the connection between nature and Church theology.
Fr. Phiri noted that with the knowledge imparted to youths at Dowa Deanery concerning the theology of the environment in relation to Laudato Si, he believes they will now take an active role in protecting and restoring the environment in their communities.
He further acknowledged that the Church will continue animating the youth to fully understand their responsibility in conserving and safeguarding creation.
On leadership, Pastoral Coordinator Father Francis Lekaleka stressed that equipping young people with leadership skills will help them govern their associations responsibly and become trusted leaders in the Church.
He expressed the Archdiocese’s commitment to continue training youths in various aspects so they can grow into responsible Christians and leaders who positively contribute to the Church’s mission.
“We have to train these youths on the importance of caring for our mother nature, because they are the future leaders of both the Church and the country. Through his letter Laudato Si, Pope Francis expressed concern about the environment, and as an Archdiocese we are training these youths to take part in caring for the earth,” he said.
On the human aspect, Sister Mary Lupenga emphasized the need to train youths in financial management and entrepreneurship.
She explained that such training will help equip thee youths with skills to start small businesses, enabling them to be financial independence and generous contributions to the Church’s mission.
In his remarks, Dowa Deanery Youth Chairperson Tobias Mbulanda said the training has helped them understand different social aspects, especially how the youth can take part in the Church’s efforts to care for the environment.
He added that they will share the knowledge with fellow youths in their parishes and implement what they have learned.
The Catholic Archdiocese of Lilongwe, through its Pastoral Office, is implementing the Laudato Si project among youths in all deaneries.
The program trains them in theology of the environment in relation to Laudato Si, child and vulnerable adults’ protection and safeguarding, financial management and entrepreneurship, tree planting and management, and leadership development.
The project is being implemented through funding from Missio Aachen from Germany.
By Titus Jata Phiri
