Time to Reconnect with Mother Earth
FR. KENNEDY ONOBA MCCJ (ED – Laudato Si Center Comboni Uganda)
The ‘Season of Creation,’ rooted in the Christian tradition and inspired by the teachings of St. Francis of Assisi, is an invitation to see the Earth, not merely as a resource to be exploited but as a sacred gift, our mother and sister, as Francis so beautifully expressed in his Canticle of Creatures.
Understanding the Theme:
‘To Hope and Act with Creation’ The theme chosen to celebrate the season of creation this year is To Hope and Act with Creation. In his letter on the Season of Creation, 2024, Pope Francis draws on the Biblical imagery found in the Apostle Paul’s letter to the Romans, where the Earth is depicted as a mother groaning in childbirth (Romans 8:22). This powerful image captures the current state of our planet, where environmental degradation, climate change and the overexploitation of natural resources are causing immense suffering.
The Earth, like a mother in labour, is crying out for relief, for a new life and for a renewed relationship with her children. In the Canticle of Creatures, St Francis of Assisi refers to the Earth as our sister and mother, emphasizing the familial bond of interconnectedness that should exist between humans and the natural world. This perspective challenges the modern tendency to view the Earth with all that is contained in it solely as a resource to be used and exploited. Instead, it calls upon all to respect, protect, and nurture the planet as we would to a beloved family member.
The Groaning of Creation and the Hope for Renewal
The groaning of creation, as described in Romans 8:22, is a metaphor for the suffering and pain that the Earth endures due to human exploitation. From deforestation and pollution to the loss of biodiversity, destruction of wetlands, improper disposal of wastes, littering of our surroundings and climate change, the signs of environmental distress are all around us.
Lesson from Kitezi landfill collapse
The recent disaster at the Kitezi landfill in Uganda, where the residents were buried by garbage serves as a poignant reminder of the consequences of failing to honour this relationship and underscores the urgent need for more responsible environmental stewardship. For years, the Kitezi landfill has been a symbol of Kampala’s struggle with waste management. The collapse of the landfill not only caused significant environmental damage but also posed a threat to public health, as toxic waste seeped into water sources and hazardous gases were released into the air.
The collapse of the Kitezi landfill should poignantly remind us that when we fail to take good care of our brother or sister earth with respect and care, it can be harmful to us. Thus, instead of treating waste as a burden to be hidden away, we should view it as a resource that can be managed sustainably. It should be a wake-up call, urging us to re-evaluate our relationship with the Earth and take action to prevent further harm.
Learning from Other Countries: Better Waste Management Practices
Uganda’s approach to waste management, particularly the handling of plastic waste, lags behind that of other developing countries. In many countries, efforts are made intentionally to separate wastes at the source, ensuring that materials like plastics, which are notoriously difficult to decompose, are not mixed with organic waste. Rwanda’s policy on plastics offers a compelling example for Uganda and other African nations. In 2008, Rwanda implemented a ban on non-biodegradable plastic bags, coupled with strict enforcement and public education campaigns.
This bold move has dramatically reduced plastic pollution and earned Rwanda a reputation as one of the cleanest countries in Africa. The success of Rwanda’s plastic ban shows that with strong political will and community engagement, significant environmental improvements are possible. This is a leaf that Uganda could borrow. When we turn to Europe, there is a successful model in the form of bottle deposit schemes. In countries like Germany and Sweden, consumers are incentivized to return used plastic containers by receiving a small refund for each item. This system has led to high recycling rates and a significant reduction in plastic waste. Such schemes not only reduce environmental harm but also create economic opportunities, particularly for low-income individuals who collect and return recyclables.
Uganda could greatly benefit from implementing similar practices. By encouraging the separation and recycling of plastics and perhaps even introducing a bottle deposit scheme, the country could reduce its reliance on landfills and promote a more sustainable approach to waste management.
A Call to Ecological Conversion
Pope Francis this year through the theme: “To Hope and Act with Creation” reminds us that while we have done a lot of damage to our environment, with activities leading to water pollution, deforestation, destruction of wetlands, poor waste management, and littering we must not lose hope. Instead, we are called to act. Hope, as the Pope teaches us, is not passive; it must be expressed through concrete actions that protect and restore our environment. He emphasizes that every small action, when multiplied by millions, can transform the world; whether it’s reducing our use of plastics, stopping littering, conserving water, supporting renewable energy, or planting trees to reduce carbon emissions.
We all have a role to play in caring for our common home. The Season of Creation is a time for ecological conversion, a transformation of our hearts and minds to recognize the intrinsic value of all creation. Thus, the season of creation calls us to move away from a culture of waste and exploitation, towards a culture of care and responsibility by listening, reflecting, praying and acting.
Embracing Hope and Action
Just as in childbirth, where pain gives way to new life, the struggles we face today can lead to a renewed relationship with the Earth. As we reflect on the lessons of the Season of Creation and the tragedy at Kitezi, let us commit to living in harmony with our Earthly mother. By adopting more sustainable practices, advocating for better policies and nurturing a deeper respect for creation, we can help bring forth new life and ensure a brighter future for all.
