The Catholic Bishops’ Conference of the Philippines is encouraging the public to join the upcoming Season of Creation–an annual celebration by Christian Churches, including the Catholic Church, which centers in on praying for the environment and promoting its care. This year’s theme is “A Home for all? Renewing the Oikos of God.”
This is following the call and warning of the United Nations (UN) about the ongoing climate change and global warming in the world. The UN’s Secretary-General, Antonio Guterres, has called it a “code red for humanity”. CBCP move is also to uphold the commitment of the church to Pope Francis’ Laudato si.
Danger to our common home
The Intergovernmental Panel on Climate Change (IPCC) released their much-awaited report on the status of climate change. According to the report, “Climate change is widespread, rapid, and intensifying, and some trends are now irreversible, at least during the present time frame.” (Read: Pope Calls Joe Biden to Discuss Immigration, Climate Change)
Meanwhile, Secretary-General Guterres added that we are “perilously close” to hitting the 1.5 degree threshold of global heating–which was internationally agreed on. “The only way to prevent exceeding this threshold, is by urgently stepping up our efforts, and pursuing the most ambitious path,” he stated.
Archbishop Romulo Valles, president of the CBCP, said that we are called to celebrate this year’s Season of Creation after the IPCC report. “This is the context where we are called to celebrate the Season of Creation, renewing our home which is on the verge of the abyss,” the archbishop stated.
“Our common home is on the brink of catastrophe. Urgent actions are needed,” he added, “We hope that this Season of Creation would lead us to renew our commitment to action to ensure that all creation will have a safe and healthy home to flourish and participate in renewing the Oikos of God.”
Archbishop Valles also encouraged the faithful to sign the petition to call on leaders around the world to act on climate change before it’s too late. (Read: 3 Ways Apple Inc. Helps in the Fight Against Climate Change)
Season of Creation
The Season of Creation will begin on September 1, the World Day of Prayer for the Care of Creation, and will end on October 4, the feast of St. Francis of Assisi, patron saint of ecology. (Read: Love for All Creatures: The Story of St. Francis and the Doves)
The CBCP’s National Laudato Si Program will be organizing various activities throughout the month-long celebration, and is encouraging everyone to participate.
You may check their Facebook page for updates.
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