Bishop Alfred Mateyu Chaima of the Zomba Diocese led members of the Catholic Women Association (CWA) and the World Union of Catholic Women’s Organizations (WUCWO) in planting 2,000 trees at St. Kizito Church in Machinga.
Speaking at the event, Bishop Chaima emphasized the church’s responsibility in environmental stewardship. He commended CWA for organizing the exercise and urged Catholics in the diocese to plant and nurture trees at home instead of cutting them down irresponsibly.
“God entrusted man with the care of His creation. Therefore, the church must lead by example in protecting the environment,” Bishop Chaima said.
CWA Malawi Chairperson, Christina Lakiyoni, expressed gratitude to the Jesuit Center for Ecology and Development (JCED) for donating the seedlings. She called on Catholic women and the broader Machinga community to care for the planted trees to ensure a high survival rate.
JCED Executive Director, Fr. Reuben Chifundo Nazonbe, said the donation supports the church’s afforestation efforts. He urged the public to avoid reckless tree-cutting and promote tree planting for environmental conservation.
