AMECEA: Deputy Secretary General Challenges Religious Women to Speak and Act on Environmental Issues
Fr. Emmanuel Chimombo
Sr. Jecinter Antoinette Okoth, FSSA
During the 2023 Annual General Meeting (AGM) for members of the Association Of Sisterhoods of Kenya (AOSK) the Deputy Secretary General for the Association of Member Episcopal Conferences in Eastern Africa (AMECEA) region has tasked the Catholic nuns to create awareness of the need to care for creation and implement the same as a Christian act of discipleship and stewardship.
Addressing over 50 nuns who were attending a two-day meeting at Dimesse Retreat Centre in Kenya’s capital Nairobi, Fr. Emmanuel Chimombo emphasized that climate change has led to extreme weather patterns causing a lot of havoc not only in the AMECEA region but entire Africa, “To the extent of loss of some animals species a clear sign that the environment is not conducive.”
“Nature speaks! And when this happens it can be quite dangerous,” Fr. Chimombo narrated to the representative nuns from various congregations whose vision is a dynamic Association of empowered prophetic women religious living Gospel values and explained further, “That is why early this year we experienced cyclone Freddy in Malawi, while Kenya is grappling with the effects of El-Nino, and droughts because of the change in weather patterns.”
With this backdrop says the cleric who was speaking on behalf of AMECEA’s Secretary General Fr. Anthony Makunde, “As religious people, we need to show our solidarity in communion and participation. We need to move together and think of what we can do concerning the sustainable development goals that were adopted by the United Nations in 2015.”
Fr. Chimombo called on the nuns to be keen and participate in environmental activities “so that as we move towards achieving these goals as a Church we also participate actively to improving the welfare of the citizens.” At the same time in the spirit of synodality, “the Church should not be left behind but must prioritize progress, especially for those who are adversely affected so that no one is left behind since whatever happens to them (those affected), affects us all.”
“Let us therefore reflect and talk about the environment. Let us walk the talk and follow in the footsteps of the Holy Father who calls us all to address the environmental challenges and as we talk about the dignity of humanity, let us also talk about the dignity of all creation including the environment,” he said.
Speaking on the same day Monday, November 13, to the participants drawn from the 26 AOSK units in Kenya on the aim of the two-day meeting, the Executive Secretary of the association Sr. Pasilisa Namikoye highlighted that the AGM was a time for the Religious nuns to share their challenges, ideas, experiences and learn from each other.
“Today’s gathering is to foster the spirit of unity, inclusivity, and cooperation that lies at the core of AOSK. During this AGM we will deliberate on key matters for our congregations, our communities our apostolates, and our mission as women Religious,” Sr. Namikoye a member of the Little Sisters of St. Francis (LSOSF) said and reminded the participants, “Through open dialogue, collaboration, and shared vision we can continue to foster an environment of growth and prosperity for all as we deliberately guard our Catholic identity and Charisms in conforming with the signs of time.”
Referencing the phrase of Mother (St.) Teresa of Calcutta that, ‘I can do things you cannot, you can do things I cannot, and together we can do great things,’ the AOSK official stressed teamwork as a strategy to help the association realize its goals in the coming years.
“In our strategic plan for 2023-2027, our main focus is on Community outreach, creating awareness on human trafficking, the youths, women empowerment, development and nurturing of children, and advocating for the rights of children through promoting family-based care and lobbying against gender-based violence. Let us walk together to fulfill this mission,” she said.
On her part the AOSK- Justice and Peace Commission (JPC) Coordinator Sr. Bernadette Nzioka highlighted some of the strategic priorities for the association that has a membership of 167-member congregations and over 7000 Religious sisters in Kenya saying, “AOSK prioritizes membership growth and member satisfaction which include key services such as formation and capacity building.”
Sr. Nzioka a member of the Daughters of Sacred Heart disclosed further that the association enhances community outreach as it works with member congregations and parishes to “make a positive impact within the communities they serve.” At the same time, they enhance holistic education and training as well as institutional development and sustainability.
The Kenyan nun disclosed further to the participants during the first day of the meeting on Monday 13, that AOSK units are the support structures of the Association at the grassroots.
“The units provide the sisters an opportunity to grow together spiritually, share experiences, and gain skills and knowledge to participate holistically in the psycho-spiritual, social-economic, and developmental spheres of the society,” she said and underscored various services AOSK offers to member congregations.
