The Episcopal Conference of Malawi (ECM) will on Tuesday next week launch the Encyclical on climate change as written by the Holy Father, Pope Francis, ECM Secretary General, Rev. Fr. Henry Saindi has confirmed.
In a statement released by ECM, the conference comprising the eight dioceses subdivided in the two ecclesiastical provinces of the Archdiocese of Blantyre and the Archdiocese of Lilongwe will launch the Pope’s Encyclical at Capital Hotel starting from 18:00hrs to 21:00hrs.
“As you might be aware, his Holiness Pope Francis in June 2015 released an Encyclical entitled “LAUDATO SI’ mi’ Signore”-“Praise be to you, my Lord.” In the words of this beautiful canticle, Saint Francis of Assisi who reminds us that our common home is like a sister with whom we share our life and a beautiful mother who opens her arms to embrace us,” reads part of the statement signed by Fr. Saindi.
Fr. Saindi said, “the Pope, in his Encyclical notes that this sister now cries out to us because of the harm we have inflicted on her by our irresponsible use and abuse of the goods with which God has endowed her.”
According to Fr Saindi the Encyclical touches lives of all affected by Climate Change in Malawi. “In order for the message to reach out to decision makers and all people, there is need for more publicity and sharing,” read the statement adding that “most importantly the Encyclical should ignite change of mindset and behavior among all people to care for mother earth and her resources.”
Meanwhile, Association of Environmental Journalists in Malawi Secretary General, Mathews Malata has described the Encyclical as timely and crucial not only to the Catholic faithful but the entire nation.
“We were amazed that the Catholic Church through the Pope could see the great need to share, remind the world on the injustice people have done to the environment,” said Malata.
He said the document is powerful as it is touching on real issues that affect us all and stand as threats to well-being of mankind if nothing is done to reverse the worsening trends.
He said as an association, they will work hand in hand with ECM in its drive to publicize the Encyclical. “We believe environmental challenges cannot be addressed by politicians only, the Church needs to be on the frontline and the Holy Father has set the historic pace, action and innovative ideas we must all follow,” said Malata.
By Prince Henderson, ECM Communications Officer