Notre Dame Jesuit Residence Wins Br. Soreng Eco Prize
By Fr. Odomaro Mubangizi
16 October, 2024 witnessed a prize-giving ceremony at PAC, that was organized in collaboration with AOR Development Office. Fr. Allan Gitta, SJ Director of AOR Development Office had been working very hard to complete the complex process of selecting the winner of the newly created Br. Soreng Eco Prize, meant to honour individuals or apostolates/ communities that have worked hard to promote environmental protection in the spirit of Laudato Si.
The 2024 Br. Soreng Eco Prize (worth 1000 USD) was awarded to Notre Dame Jesuit Residence in Ethiopia. The competition and criteria were rigorous. Fr. Alex Wainana with another Jesuit who prefers anonymity, put together a compelling application. The application told stories of the effort by Notre Dame Jesuit Residence in restoring ecosystems, tree planting, food security (fruit trees and vegetable growing), advocacy on climate change, sustainable art, and recycling.
The mention of the “Living Cross of Christ” in the compound of Notre Dame Jesuit Residence also earned extra points.
The Award-giving ceremony at PAC was graced by AOR development Office staff, members of PAC, and Bishop Rodrigo Mejia as well as Ft. Miguel Garcia, who both once lived at Notre Dame Jesuit Residence.
Br. Vincent Soreng SJ, handed over the prize Odomaro Mubangizi SJ, who received the prize on behalf of Notre Dame Jesuit Residence, since Fr. Alex Wainaina, SJ, was not able to come in person.
Fr. Allan Gitta, took the opportunity to highlight the importance of taking the UAPs seriously. He appreciated the good work started by Br. Vincent Soreng in preserving our common home, the environment. He also congratulated Notre Dame Jesuit Residence for winning the prize.
Odomaro, gave a brief speech on behalf of Notre Dame Jesuit Residence, and appreciated the effort that Fr. Alex put into the application for the prize, including prayer. He also thanked all the Jesuits who has contributed to preserving the ecosystem at Notre Dame Jesuit Residence, including, and encouraged others to do the same. It does not matter how small a compound is, one can always plant a few trees, vegetables, flowers, and recycle.
Loyalites, on hearing the news of the prize, have started preparing for the 2025 Br. Soreng Eco Prize. A formidable team of experts has started working on a strategy.
Loyola Associated Press congratulates Notre Dame Jesuit Residence for winning the much coveted Br. Soreng Eco Prize.
