Catholic Dioceses in DR Congo Launch Season of Creation With Call for Integral Ecology

In brief

Catholic communities in the Democratic Republic of the Congo have begun the 2026 Season of Creation by calling for ecological conversion and environmental protection. The Catholic Archdiocese of Lubumbashi and the Diocese of Kisantu centered their celebrations on integral ecology.

Archbishop Fulgence Muteba Mugalu launched the season in Lubumbashi during a Mass on Monday, September 7, at the Safina Formation House. Archbishop Muteba told the faithful to act as eco-ambassadors and co-creators rather than just admirers of nature. He stated that current environmental crises show how humanity has failed in its responsibility to care for the world.

The Archbishop, who also serves the National Episcopal Conference of Congo (CENCO), noted that the disappearance of certain species shows the seriousness of the environmental challenges facing local communities. He referenced the previous two pastoral years themed Mazingira si bila sisi, which means the environment also includes us, to emphasize the urgent need to preserve ecosystems.