Caring for the earth must be given very high priority as the world faces the disasters being caused by global warming, climate change and the erosion of biodiversity.
As Infant Jesus Sisters, we try to make our contribution on two levels –
1. by raising awareness both among ourselves and in the society around us
2. By engaging in simple practical actions to help preserve our beautiful world for future generations.
Awareness being the underlying impetus for all action, we encourage one another to keep up to date on environmental issues by reading widely and watching relevant programmes on television which expand our awareness, as well as using all other forms of communication media to learn more. Through our involvement in the Africa Faith and Justice Network, we take part with others in action to promote the integrity of creation, including exposing the dangers of G.M.O.’s (genetically modified organisms).
We take part in the global movement towards restoring the ‘lungs of the planet’ by planting trees. Two examples of this are the campaign spearheaded by Queen of Peace School in Jos for their 10th Anniversary” “Cool the Earth, Plant a Tree” printed on t-shirts in honour of the occasion and more recently, the beautiful gesture at Sr. Felicia’s Silver Jubilee (November 2019) where 25 trees were presented to different people at the celebration to be planted by them at home (symbolizing Sr. Felicia’s 25 years of religious life ‘planted in the house of the Lord’.)
The simple actions we engage in to help care for the earth broadly fall under the categories of (1) Agriculture/Food, (2) Energy and (3) Waste.
Agriculture /Food: Activities in this category include using our organic waste to make compost for use in our own vegetable gardens, encouraging the use of natural fertilizer by those around us, eating food produced locally instead of from far away.
Energy: We are trying to be conscious of our use of energy, e.g. switching off lights and socket switches when not in use, as well as avoiding unnecessary use of cars.
Waste: A helpful rule in this area is the so-called ‘4 R’s’: Reduce, Re-use, Recycle and repair –
e.g. bringing our shopping bags to the market rather than collecting many plastic bags, recycling cans to produce pots, giving all our plastic bottles to people who can use them.
We still have a long way to go and a lot to learn but we must continue taking little steps in the right direction. With new enthusiastic organizations springing up all around us, such as the Eden Project, Centre for Earth Works and Africa Faith and Justice Network, we believe the education and guidance we need is becoming more available and the journey ahead is exciting as well as challenging.
POSITIVE ASPECTS OF COVID 19
Since the Covid 19 began so many lives have been lost, the economies of the world have been shattered. So many people have lost their jobs because of retrenchment. The poorer ones among us go hungry, begging on the street or relying on palliatives from the government.
Even the middle class and the elites are affected. They are learning to cut down on their expenses as the economy of the country is fragile. However so among of them are also learning to share with the poor around them.
Here in Nigeria faith is a big part of our lives. Our faith has been tested by Covid 19, and for many in the big cities, living under lockdown, their faith has been dragged down to the depth of despair, but for us Nigerians, all hope is not lost, God is with us! We believe He will lift us up and restore us back to life.
Covid 19 has brought us down to our knees, but I believe the experience is making us stronger than ever.
COVID 19 HAS ORDERD US TO:
UNITE: “United we stand, divided we fall” More than ever before, the world is called to “unite” in the fight against Covid 19. We find ourselves speaking a common language, “pray for those infected with the virus. Pray for an end to this viral infection. Observe all precautionary measures to save yourself and others. Stay safe”
EMBRACE SILENCE AND SOLITUDE: “Stay at home and stay safe “Many are using this opportunity to withdraw from some external activities, and their usual fast pace of life. They are being challenged to move “inward”, so that they come to know themselves better.
For many, this is strengthening their relationship with God. They are able to spend time praying and studying the word of God… This has helped them to go into solitude and silence where God dwells and where they are beginning to experience greater peace and happiness.
BE GENEROUS: – In spite of this challenging situation, we in Nigeria believe in “the God in each person” This Divinity in each of us, still remains active and alive as we share the little privileges, with no regard to religion, tribe, class or race.
BONDING: in many cases, the relationships between spouses have improved greatly, as they stay at home together for longer periods of time. They are getting to understand and appreciate each other better. They are becoming more loving and caring towards one another and they are also sharing more in the task of childrearing.
The bond between the parents and their children has grown stronger as they spend quality time together. Most parents have had to become teachers, going to school to collect homework and then taking up their children’s assignments. They are also having to take responsibility for their children’s faith development and teaching them how to pray.
The sisters are not left behind and this can be seen in the pictures below. Sr. Maria, an aspirant and a staff from St. Francis Catholic hospital Jambutu Yola) visited a small community to educate and share the little they have with them
May the Mighty Healer grant us all the healing we need in Jesus’ name. Amen,
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