Archbishop of Harare Diocese, Archbishop Robert Ndlovu has committed this year’s Lenten campaign to fighting drug and substance abuse.
In his 2023 Lenten message titled from despair to hope in Synodality against drugs and substance abuse, Archbishop Ndlovu called upon the families to offer prayers and resources to deal with drug abuse.
Without specifying the nature of resources, he urged Catholics to help those suffering from drug addiction move from despair to hope in light of Synodality and urged them to give generously.
Many precious lives are being lost due to drug abuse and the predicament had been the cause of some violence being witnessed in families.
Archbishop Ndlovu reiterated his earlier pronouncements that ‘selling illegal drugs is an evil that deeply harms the entire community.’
The letter quotes Pope Francis’ message to the General Audience at Saint Peter’s square that Drugs are a wound that traps many people in the networks.
He said those suffering from drug addiction ‘do not only harm their bodies but also their souls as they starve themselves spiritually and gave them hope that the grace of Jesus can still save them from this predicament.’
“The good news is that people who are enslaved and blinded by drugs can be freed through the incredible saving of Jesus with God’s strength, effective treatment, and the help of loved ones, people can be freed from addictions,” said the Archbishop.
He also urged Catholics to be compassionate and reach out to those who are addicted encouraging them to lead a drug-free life.
“Let us be models of good behavior living our faith in Jesus Christ as a family, developing a family spiritually through prayer, sacraments, and parish activities,” said the Archbishop.
His Grace urged Catholics to take good care of their loved ones, strive to lead holy lives, and follow the Catechism of the Catholic church that teaches that the use of drugs inflicts grave damage on human health and lives as they direct cooperation in evil by encouraging people to practice gravely contrary to moral law.
According to research by Social Science Research Network, the key findings indicate that the prevalence of drug abuse is at 57% among young people, and the most commonly abused drugs and substances are marijuana and alcohol.
Peer pressure, breakdown of the family support system, and limited knowledge about the effects of drug abuse and stress were identified as the major factors that drive substance and drug abuse among the youth.
The criminalization of drug and substance abuse continues to make it difficult for young people to seek help when they suffer from the effects of drug abuse.
By Tadiwa Madava
English