Manila Archbishop Luis Antonio Cardinal Tagle. INQUIRER FILE PHOTO
MANILA, Philippines—As Filipinos welcomed the start of the “ber” months that officially signals the beginning of the Christmas season in the country, the Manila archdiocese on Sunday launched the celebration of the “Season of Creation” by appealing to the faithful to be more active in their role as God’s stewards in caring for nature.
The “Season of Creation” is a six-week event of the archdiocese marked by a series of activities promoting environmental causes in seminaries, parishes and communities.
Manila Archbishop Luis Antonio Cardinal Tagle, who led the launch urged his flock to be more giving in fostering a healthier environment amid natural calamities.
6-week celebration
Tagle presided over a Mass on Friday at the San Fernando de Dilao Parish in Paco, Manila, to kick off the six-week celebration, which runs until Oct. 4.
“I am hopeful that through our environment-centered programs and catechesis, the faithful in our parishes, schools and communities will be moved to action in protecting and caring for nature. I also hope they join us in encouraging others to do the same as stewards of God’s creation,” said Tagle over Church-run Radio Veritas on Sunday.
On the Sundays of the season, the liturgy will celebrate the elements of nature—fire, water, air, earth, “halaman” (plants) and “tao” (human beings), the Manila archdiocese said.
The archdiocese said the program was aimed at heightening public awareness of the situation of the environment, making people understand and imbibe “creation spirituality,” showing how all creation is interrelated and interdependent and inspiring Christians to act as stewards of God’s creation.
“During this special Church season, creation spirituality will be integrated in the liturgies,” the archdiocese said.
Several activities, including a living rosary, Stations of the Cross, tree-planting, scrap collection and organic markets will be held in the parishes and communities, it added.