Sr. Jecinter Antoinette Okoth, FSSA
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| Apostolic Nuncio in Kenya and South Sudan, Archbishop Hubertus van Megen |
As the Church celebrates the weeklong 5th anniversary of Laudato Si’, Pope Francis’ Encyclical Letter on care for the environment, the Apostolic Nuncio in Kenya has pointed out that creation is a way through which humanity relates.
“Creation not only reveals and points to our symbolic communion with the Divine but is also a concrete means for communion within the human family and within the lager biotic community,” the Apostolic Nuncio in Kenya and South Sudan, Archbishop Hubertus van Megen said on Monday, May 18 while conducting a tree planting ceremony in Nairobi to mark Laudato Si’ Week(LWS).
He quoted Pope Francis’ words in Laudato Si’ that“As part of the universe, called into being by one Father, all of us are linked by unseen bonds and together form a kind of universal family, a sublime communion which fills us with a sacred, affectionate and humble respect.”
The tree planting ceremony which was attended by 15 people and televised through other media platforms due to safety measures put in place to stem the spread of Coronavirus was convened under the theme Everything is connected.
Most Rev. van Megen emphasized that according to the Pontiff, “Human life is a pilgrimage in communion, along with the rest of God’s creatures, bonded together by God’s love.”
“Everything is related, and we human beings are united as brothers and sisters on a wonderful pilgrimage, woven together by the love God has for each of his creatures and which also unites us in fond affection with Brother Sun, Sister Moon, Brother River and Mother Earth,” he said in reference to Laudato Si’.
Highlighting evil of social inequalities, the Nuncio said, “The Pope is also critical of the enormous inequalities in our midst, whereby we continue to tolerate some, considering themselves worthier than others.”
Speaking during the ceremony that was organized by the Global Catholic Climate Movement (GCCM), a global network that works within the Catholic Church to better care for creation, the Pope’s representative also underscored that when humanity turns to self-love, it leads to exploitation of creation.
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| Tree planting to mark Laudato Si Week |
The Laudato Si’ week commenced Saturday, May 16 with online Prayer service. Other activities include tree planting, web conferencing.
A Laudato Si’ retreat and radio shows about the need for care of creation have been ongoing through-out the week and will be closed on Sunday, May 24, with an online Prayer service that will be live streamed via social media platforms.
His Excellency Most Rev. van Megen further suggested a prayer on protection of creation for the good of all which seeks God’s intervention for the poor and the earth that are crying out.
“O Lord, seize us with your power and light, help us to protect all life, to prepare for a better future, for the coming of your Kingdom of justice, peace, love and beauty,” reads part of the prayer.