Manila, an ecumenical walk to ‘answer the cry of Creation’

More than 300 believers from different Christian denominations participated yesterday in an initiative to mark the Day of Prayer for the Care of Creation. Organised by the Philippine Laudato Si' Movement with various religious institutions, the event included prayers, reflections and awareness-raising initiatives on renewable energy. Bishops' Conference president Bishop David: “Indigenous peoples teach us about the bond between all creatures”.

Manila (AsiaNews) - More than 300 faithful from different Christian denominations, including Catholic priests, nuns, pastors and others, participated in the Ecumenical Walk for Creation 2024, as part of the celebrations for the Day of Prayer for the Care of Creation, 1 September 2024, at St Andrew's Theological Seminary in Manila. The theme chosen is ‘Hope and Act with Creation’.

The symbol of this year's celebration, ‘The First Fruits of Hope’, is based on St Paul's epistle to the Romans and represents the hope of the final rebirth of creation. The Philippine Laudato Si‘ Movement organised the event in collaboration with the Catholic Bishops’ Conference of the Philippines (CBCP), the National Council of Churches in the Philippines and the Philippine Council of Evangelical Churches.

Laudato Si' is a global movement involving Catholics committed to living the message of the encyclical of the same name. Creation Time begins on 1 September and ends on 4 October, the feast of St Francis of Assisi, patron saint of Creation, and was established by Pope Francis in 2015, along with World Day. In the Philippines, the Church continues the celebrations with the National Sunday of Indigenous Peoples on the second Sunday of October, thus recognising their contribution in preserving 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 group prayer, reflection and action. ‘It is an opportunity to pray and respond to the cry of Creation together with all people of goodwill,’ 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 sustain our reflection on that beautiful passage where the Holy Apostle speaks of the whole creation groaning in labour pains and reminds us that we are already enjoying the firstfruits of the Spirit and that therefore we too are groaning 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 walk for Creation, where 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 of the Missionary Sisters of Mary (MSM) also celebrated the Time of Creation on 1 September. In an emotional ceremony, the sisters came together to respect God's creation and reaffirmed their commitment to care for the common home during a time of introspection and prayer.

‘Let us continue to heed the call to preserve and honour the Earth as we move forward in this holy season.’ A nun wished everyone to live in harmony with the natural world and each other.

Meanwhile, the Diocesan Ministry of Ecology of the Antique Diocese and Saint Anthony College also participated in the Time of Creation 2024. The diocese yesterday opened this period with an introduction and discussion on Pope Francis‘ encyclical Laudato Si’, which deals with the care of our common home.

Valeria Tacchi led the programme ‘Co-creators of our future: the programme of Laudato Si’, with the assistance of Azzurra Boni, Fr Frederick Rubido and Bryan Siasat. They addressed the fundamental ideas of the encyclical letter and urged participants to take action.

In Laudato Si', Pope Francis affirms the interdependence of all creation and urges environmental responsibility. Siasat encouraged students to speak up for ecological justice by presenting the Student Ecological Emissaries and Defenders (SEED) programme.

Father Rubido asked everyone to join SEED. Using Valeria Tacchi's curriculum, SEED members will promote 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 preceding a big 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'.