Fr. Richard OMOLADE

With the adverse condition of the world recently, concern for the environment was thought to be the preserve of scientists and researchers not that of the family. Sometimes politicians are expected to play significant roles just as the former Vice President of the United State, Al Gore had done for many years. But Pope Francis has changed all that when he wrote his magus opus, Laudato si, the encyclical on the preservation of the environment and the call for all humanity to be responsible stewards of creation. Yes, in the course of human history, the success of any venture has always been tied to the best of human values, without it, many efforts have collapsed before they could even see the light of day.

Today, we expect the family, every individual family must be a key component in the matrix of sustaining creation. Creation is God’s gift to us, and we need it to survive. To enjoy this enormous gift of God to humanity, we need to do more than just enjoy it, we have been called to care for it so that we can truly enjoy it. For far too long, we have exploited and despoiled creation such that if we continue on this trajectory, we are likely to  lead ourselves to extinction. No wonder the family week this year has been devoted to examining the impact of the environment on the family well-being and sustainability in the spirit of Laudato si.

What we have learnt should transform our habits and our way of life and help ensure a better future for the family and humanity as a whole.  “Mens sana in corpore Sano” was always the key, that is, a healthy mind in a healthy body, but today, we know we need even a healthy environment to help nurture a healthy body and mind. This is the plight of many families today that the environment has been toxic and detrimental to the true flourishing of human life. We need a conducive environment for our families to thrive, the environment we are talking about includes the physical, spiritual, social and cultural contexts of modern life. As Bishop Gopep, the Auxiliary Bishop of Minna asserts, “a healthy environment supports family growth and happiness, while a poor environment can lead to stress, health problems, and developmental delays especially in children.” There is no gainsaying the fact that we need a good environment for our families to thrive.

Today, many families live in neighbourhoods polluted by filth, harassed by miscreants, deprived of basic necessities of life, such as good water and constant electricity. Many are further hindered from pursuing their goals in life by inhuman governmental policies and sometimes by manipulative and exploitative religious leaders and practices. Is this what God wants for our families?  For many, family life is already a hell on earth, with many abusive spouses and extended family. In such climate, the flourishing of life is not possible. Persistent mental and emotional abuse eventually create unhealthy environment that disturbs the mental stability and proper functioning of many people. Christian families must guard against this at all costs.

Preserving our environment is for our own good. If we preserve it, it will serve us, if we exploit it, we shall pay dearly for it and unfortunately, those who were not part of the inordinate treatment of the environment will also suffer severely for our indifference. We, therefore, owe it to ourselves and the future of our children to do all in our power to sustain a viable and supportive environment for the good of humanity.

Parents should create a peaceful and conducive atmosphere of growth for their children. When love is present and good communication is allowed among members of the family, and members support one another and go out of their ways to ensure the good of others, family life will be delightful, and productive. Creation is meant to be treasured not devalued. A healthy environment makes a healthy family, and we urge government to help put in place structures that ensure clean air, safe water, natural and nutritious food, secure environment for living and work and disease-free society.

What can individuals do in this regard? Be responsible steward of creation, dispose your waste properly. Recycle, reuse and restore items. Plant trees and food items. It is not necessary to be on a large scale. Plant in bucket and pots, beautify your world and make the world beautiful again.  Do not burn waste especially papers and nylon. Indiscriminate drilling of borehole must be avoided as these add layer of stress to the earth and disturb the peaceful equilibrium needed for safe earth. As Roman 8 reminds us, our world is groaning, and we must help her to come out of this spiral of groaning to breathe in good air of rest and peace engendered by love, responsibility and good stewardship.

Wishing all our Nigerian Catholics, Happy Family Week!