PHILIPPINES Manila, an ecumenical march to “respond to the cry of Creation”

More than 300 faithful of different Christian denominations participated yesterday in the initiative on the occasion of the Day of Prayer for the Care of Creation. Organized by the Laudato Si’ Movement of the Philippines with various religious institutions, the event included prayers, reflections and awareness-raising initiatives on renewable energies. The President of the Episcopal Conference, Msgr. David: “Indigenous peoples teach us the link between all creatures.”

Manila () – More than 300 faithful of different Christian denominations, including Catholic priests, nuns, pastors and others, took part in the Ecumenical March for Creation 2024, as part of the celebrations for the Day of Prayer for the Care of Creation, on 1 September 2024, at St. Andrew’s Theological Seminary, Manila. The theme chosen is “Hope and act with Creation”. The symbol of this year’s celebration, “The Firstfruits of Hope”, is based on St. Paul’s Epistle to the Romans and represents the hope for the final rebirth of creation. The Laudato Si’ Movement of the Philippines organized the event in collaboration with the Philippine Bishops’ Conference (CBCP), the National Council of Churches of the Philippines and the Philippine Council of Evangelical Churches.

Laudato Si’ is a worldwide movement involving Catholics committed to living the message of the encyclical of the same name. The Season of Creation begins on September 1 and ends on October 4, the feast of St. Francis of Assisi, patron saint of Creation, and was established by Pope Francis in 2015, along with World Creation Day. In the Philippines, the Church continues the celebrations with the National Sunday of Indigenous Peoples, on the second Sunday of October, thus recognizing their contribution to the preservation of Creation.

In a message, CBCP President and Bishop of Kalookan, Pablo Virgilio David, urged the faithful to deepen their relationship with God’s creation. Indeed, as the world grapples with climate change, the festival promotes prayer, reflection and group action. “It is an opportunity to pray and respond to the cry of Creation together with all people of good will,” he said. “Like our indigenous peoples: they are in the best position to teach us about the fundamental interconnectedness of all creatures,” he said. “Let us keep our reflection on that beautiful passage in which the Holy Apostle speaks of all creation groaning in the pains of childbirth and reminds us that we are already enjoying the first fruits of the Spirit and that therefore we too groan within ourselves as we await the fullness of God’s glory, which is about to be revealed in creation,” the CBCP President said.

Various Catholic dioceses, religious congregations, institutions, civil society groups and other communities organise events such as seminars, conferences and exhibitions. These initiatives aim to educate and enlighten the public on ways to safeguard the environment. These events include a Eucharistic celebration and a March for Creation, in which participants carry lanterns to remind them of the need to preserve the environment. Among other things, there is a strong push for the adoption of renewable energy.

The religious order Missionary Sisters of Mary (MSM) also celebrated the Season of Creation on September 1. In a moving ceremony, the sisters gathered to respect God’s creation and reaffirmed their commitment to care for their common home during a time of introspection and prayer. “Let us continue to heed the call to preserve and honor the Earth as we move forward in this holy time.” One nun wished everyone to live in harmony with the natural world and with each other.

Meanwhile, the Diocesan Ecology Ministry of the Diocese of Antique and St. Anthony College also participated in the Season of Creation 2024. The diocese opened this period yesterday with an introduction and discussion on Pope Francis’ encyclical Laudato Si’, which deals with caring for our common home. Valeria Tacchi led the program “Co-creators of our future: the Laudato Si’ program,” assisted by Azzurra Boni, Father Frederick Rubido, and Bryan Siasat. They addressed the key ideas of the encyclical letter and urged participants to take action. In Laudato Si’, Pope Francis affirms the interdependence of all creation and calls for environmental responsibility. Siasat encouraged students to raise their voices for ecological justice by introducing the Student Emissaries and Ecological Defenders (SEED) program. Father Rubido called on everyone to join SEED. Using Valeria Tacchi’s curriculum, SEED members will promote the Laudato Si’ orientation in their university departments. The diocesan schools of Tobias Fornier, Anini-y, Patnongon, San Remigio, Valderrama, Barbaza, Pandan and Sebastian will host several events leading up to a grand party to celebrate the conclusion of the Season of Creation. Fr. Rubido noted, “Let us work together for a positive and sustainable future, guided by Pope Francis’ vision in Laudato Si’.”