by Skafique Khokhar

Franciscan friars and Caritas Pakistan mark the World Day of Prayer for the Care of Creation to reflect on how humans can change their relationship to nature. Future generations should look to mother earth as a gift and not as something created by man for his own interests. “Human behaviour is polluting what God has created,” priest says. “It is time to think about the good of humanity.”

Karachi (AsiaNews) – On Monday, the Franciscan Centre for Justice, Peace and the Integrity of Creation together with Caritas Pakistan organised a meeting to mark World Day of Prayer for the Care of Creation, which took place on 1 September.

Pope Francis instituted the day in early August in order “to contribute to resolving the ecological crisis which humanity is presently experiencing,” and is part of various initiatives undertaken after the publication of the encyclical ‘Laudato si’ On care for our common home’.

The gathering was held in the Parish of the Immaculate Conception in Kotri, Diocese of Hyderabad (in the south-eastern province of Sindh). The highest authorities in the diocese took part in the event as did more than 80 parishioners.

The goal was to reflect on the concept of environment in order to change the relationship between civil society and nature with regards to how human and natural resources are used so that future generations can look to mother earth as a gift and not as something created by man to impose their own interests (Chapter Two, The Gospel of Creation, 75).

“Today we are here to reflect on the Encyclical Letter of Pope Francis who celebrated World day for the Prayer of Creation on 1 September,” said Danish Yaqoob, an official with the Justice and Peace Commission of Pakistan, in opening the meeting.

“Today we realise our connection with God’s creation along with the entire people of God, religious men and women, church groups, commissions and social groups as well as national and international associations and organisations, especially those who care for creation."

Citing Laudato si’, Mansha Noor, executive secretary of Caritas Pakistan Karachi, said that he shares the Holy Father’s concerns over climate change, and its environmental, social, economic and political impact. “The worst part is the exploitation of the resources in developing countries,” he explained.

"The World Day of Prayer for the Care of Creation is a major opportunity for Catholics and the whole world,” said Amjad Gulzar, national executive director of Caritas Pakistan. “It is time to protect creation and save future generations.”

“Our individual efforts,” he noted, “are very important for society, and young people in particular have an important role in environmental protection."

During the meeting, organisers set up working groups up in which participants were invited to come up concrete proposals and development plans.

"Human behaviour is polluting what God has created," said Rev Daniel Fiaz, dean of the diocese, as he invited the faithful to change their attitudes.

“This can have critical consequences for generations to come in terms of drinking water, food shortages, and soil pollution. God gave us a beautiful world to lead a decent life, but we are poisoning everything. It is time to think about the good of humanity."

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• pope
• francis
• environment
• pollution