In Lent, “reflect on ecological sins, fast from habits that hurt nature”: Kenyan Priest

Fr. Makagutu said, “During this Lent season, let us Fast from habits and practices that hurt mother nature.”

The OFM Cap. Priest also acknowledged that humanity has taken a lot from nature unjustly and said it is time to give back to the environment.

“Like almsgiving is giving something to somebody who is in need,” he said, “nature is in need of our good behavior.” 

He said, “We need to halt and stop environmental destruction, and the loss of species. Let us look at how we use water so that we do not destroy God-given resources.”  

The OFM Cap. Priest called for reconciliation with nature, saying, “As human beings, we have done activities that destroy our environment. In reconciling with nature, it is creating peace with nature such that we stop the things that have been affecting our mother earth negatively.”

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Some of the ecological sins include exhaust fumes, the use of fossil fuels, and the cutting of trees, he told ACI Africa, adding that replanting trees, servicing vehicles, and using renewable energy such as solar will help in reducing the concentration of carbon in the environment.  

He continued, “Let us check on our use of electricity and water. If we could all switch off our phones for an hour, that will reduce our energy consumption.”  

Fr. Makagutu added that littering is also causing damage to the environment. 

“We do not need to be told that littering is bad. Let us be nature-minded and clean,” he said. 

Catholic Bishops in Kenya have also called on the people of God to reflect on the ecology during the Lenten Season that started on Ash Wednesday, February 22, and will conclude on Holy Thursday, April 6. 

Members of the Kenya Conference of Catholic Bishops (KCCB) said humanity is contributing to climate change and its effects are seen in the flooding, unpredictable droughts, swelling of lakes and oceans, and the drying of rivers. 

“Climate justice is a strong global call to look at the environment around us, the protection of the ecosystem, and the appreciation that nature deserves as a matter of right and not simply a choice. Destroying forests, logging, destroying bushes, dumping, and all forms of environmental carelessness impact negatively on human life and that of other living things,” the Bishops said during the launch of the 2023 Lenten campaign on February 17. 

They underscored the need for “continued education on ways to ensure proper agricultural methods including seed production, food storage, distribution, and consumption for a healthy nation.” 

The education is most needed at the grassroots where the impact of an ecological education is mostly required, the Catholic Bishops said.

Magdalene Kahiu is a Kenyan journalist with passion in Church communication. She holds a Degree in Social Communications from the Catholic University of Eastern Africa (CUEA). Currently, she works as a journalist for ACI Africa.