KENYA: Pope Francis Recognises Jesuit Environmentalist

As the Eastern Africa Province of the Society of Jesus priests and brothers celebrated the Feast of their founder, St Ignatius of Loyola, on 31st, July 2019 at Mwangaza Spirituality Center in Nairobi, Brother Vincent Soreng, S.J. received a letter of recognition from the Holy Father Pope Francis for his commitment to conserving the environment.

The Pope’s letter to Br. Soreng dated 10th, March, 2019, was read and presented to him by Bishop Emeritus of the Apostolic Vicariate of Soddo, Ethiopia, Rt. Rev. Rodrigo Mejia Saldarriaga S.J. during Holy Mass to mark the Jesuit Patron Saint’s Day.

“For almost fifty years, you are working as a missionary in Africa, first in Sudan, then Zambia, finally in Tanzania and Kenya, with a keen eye on environmental conservation through the promotion of horticulture and forestry. You have quietly done these tasks with great dedication, consistency, commitment and amazing diligence,’’ the Pope’s letter read in part.

In his apostolic encyclical, Laudato Si, Pope Francis says there is nobility in the duty to care for creation through little daily actions, and it is wonderful how education can bring about real changes in lifestyles.

“In this case, My Dear Brother Vincent, your practical teaching by doing has double positive impact, first on the minds of the leaners around and secondly, on the sustainable beauty of the planet itself in preserving our common home for future generations,” the Pope wrote to Br. Soreng.

Pope Francis also noted that at the age of 83 years, Br. Soreng continues to work in the Lord’s vineyard with the energy of a young man. In recognition of what Br. Soreng has done in India and Africa, the Pope thanked him and conveyed to him his apostolic blessings and a rosary, requesting the Jesuit Brother to pray for him and the graces that he needs to serve the Church.

“We were born in the same year, more and more we know that we need God’s grace, more than anything else, to keep going. May our love for our Lord Jesus increase our passion to care for God’s creation,” Pope Francis wrote.

For the last fifty years, in different parts of Africa, Br. Soreng has been concerned with environmental conservation through the promotion of horticulture and agronomy. At Mwangaza alone, he has planted over 5,000 trees.

Giving testimony to his tireless work and passion in the gardens, the Director of Jesuit Hakimani Centre, Br. Elias Mokua, said Br. Soreng has been instrumental in providing fresh fruits and vegetables in all the Jesuit community houses where he has served.

“Wherever he has lived, people have always enjoyed eating fresh food. He really loves working in the gardens,” said Br. Mokua.

At the end of the ceremony, Br. Soreng planted two trees and gifted guests with trees to plant in their communities or homes. Some of the people given trees included relatives of Rev. Fr. Francis Njuguna, SJ, and Rev Fr. Stephen Nzyoki, SJ, who had earlier taken their final vows and were fully accepted into membership of the Jesuit Community during Holy Mass celebrated by the Eastern African Jesuit Provincial Rev. Fr. Joseph Oduor Afulo. The two have been serving with the Jesuit Community for the last 24 years.

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By Rose Achiego, KCCB