“We are inspired by your efforts here,” one of the Sisters shared. “This is exactly the kind of integrated ecology work the Church is calling for.”
Members of the Sisters of the Earth congregation had high praise for the work happening at the Integrated Ecology Centre in Katoto after a visit this week.
Sister Gail from the USA and Sister Kris from Indonesia, now living in Kenya both members of the congregation founded by Passionist Priest Fr. Thomas Berry, spent the Wednesday morning touring the Centre’s key projects. Fr. Thomas Berry was a leading Church voice on Care of the Earth, and the Sisters said they were encouraged to see that teaching put into action in Mzuzu.
What they saw
The Sisters began their tour from the main entrance where the names of benefactors are displayed, before touring the hostel facilities. They then walked the grounds, passing the Jobidon House, walked through the ecology education walk and stopped at the Centre office for a talk.
At the Model Farming Centre they observed organic farming methods and sustainable agriculture projects already underway. The visit continued to the vast forest area adjacent to the Centre — the same land earmarked for future schools and walked through then bigger pine forest. The Sisters also saw the 4.5KM boundary wall and ongoing tree-planting efforts. The tour ended with a stop at the Sports Centre before lunch.
The Sisters were hosted for lunch by Bishop Yohane Nyirendad and received a gift of Diocesan cloth, which they greatly appreciated.
Their recommendations for Katoto Forest
After walking the forest and proposed school site, Sisters Gail and Kris shared several recommendations:
1. Strengthen reforestation: Expand tree planting with both indigenous and fruit trees to restore biodiversity and provide food security for the community.
2. Environmental education hub: Use the forest and model farm as a learning site for schools, youth groups, and parishes to teach Laudato Si’ and practical care of creation.
3. Community engagement: Involve local communities around Katoto as guardians of the forest through awareness programs and sustainable livelihood projects linked to the farm.
4. Documentation and networking: Record the Centre’s progress with photos and stories to share with international partners working on ecology and faith.
Commitment to support
The Sisters said they see “great potential” in what the Centre is doing to implement Church teaching on care of the environment. They promised to assist Mr. Crief who is the coordinator of the Laudato Si Project with networking and educational resources from their global contacts.
They also noted they will reflect further on the visit and may seek to develop the relationship with Mzuzu Diocese more in the future.
“We are inspired by your efforts here,” one of the Sisters shared. “This is exactly the kind of integrated ecology work the Church is calling for.”
The Integrated Ecology Centre continues to welcome visitors and partners as it works to combine environmental restoration, education, and community development in Katoto.