You set the earth on its foundation,
immovable from age to age.
You wrapped it with the depths like a cloak;
the waters stood higher than the mountains (Psalm 104)
In a powerful reflection during the celebration of the Holy Mass in this Season of Care for Creation, Fr. Isaac John Katumbi, Vicar General of Mzuzu Diocese, emphasized the urgent need for humanity to live in harmony with nature. Preaching at an event organized by the Mzuzu Diocese Integrated Ecology Centre under the Laudato Si project at Katoto Forest which also included a walk in the forest and bird viewing at the dam. Fr. Katumbi highlighted the devastating consequences of war and environmental degradation. “War is not good,” he stated, drawing parallels between conflicts in war zones and humanity’s relationship with nature. Just as we yearn for peace in the world we should also strive for peace with nature.
When there is war in a country, people come to dialogue and settle for peace. We have to know that nature does not forgive; it fights back. He pointed to the increasing frequency of natural disasters such as cyclones, landslides, and ice melting as evidence of nature’s response to human actions. Fr. Katumbi stressed that peace builds nations and that progress and development thrive in peaceful environments. He urged the audience to recognize that humanity’s relationship with nature is one of stewardship, not ownership. We did inherit this planet earth from our ancestors, but we have borrowed it from our coming generations. We need to be conscious of this responsibility because we owe it to the next generation.
In the liturgy of the Word with the first reading from Wisdom 13:1-9, the second reading from Colossians 1:15-20 and the Gospel from Matthew 8:23-27 the Vicar General emphasized that God is present in all creation and that harming nature is akin to hurting God. When Jesus called for peace in the midst of the storm, calming the waters he meant to assure us that nature is under his control, and he has authority to bring about order.
The event, aimed at raising environmental awareness among the younger generation, underscored the importance of living in peace with nature. As the global community continues to grapple with environmental challenges, Fr. Katumbi’s message serves as a timely reminder of the need for collective action to protect the planet. The Mzuzu Diocese Integrated Ecology Centre’s efforts through the Laudato Si project are part of a broader initiative to promote ecological awareness and sustainability in the region. As the world observes the Season of Care for Creation, the call to “be in peace with nature” resonates deeply, urging all to reflect on their relationship with the environment and their role in safeguarding the future.
There were 35 youths that attended the Mass. we continue to our journey. Preservation, conservation and Education. Mzuzu Diocese Integrated Education Centre.
