The Season of Creation has begun! Throughout the continent of Asia, the faithful are praying and taking action during the annual ecumenical celebration that unites Christians everywhere to protect our common home.
In Malaysia, a Holy Mass was celebrated to launch the ecumenical celebration and year two of a powerful campaign, “Protect Our Earth, Protect Our Children,” led by the Bishops Conference of Malaysia.
The Sisters of the Cross of Chavanod, a new Laudato Si’ Movement Member Organization active in 15 countries on four continents, is inviting all of its members to celebrate this special time of the year.
Sister Prema Chowallur told Asia News, “Covid-19 in the midst of grief for those we have lost has taught us many things. Varieties of viruses and bacteria are emerging and taking on new forms with climate change. Our ancestors handed us a healthy environment, what are we handing over to our children?”
In South Korea, Hyeon-dong Park, chairman of the Ecology and Environment Ministry of the Korea Bishops’ Conference, encouraged everyone to make time to join our Christian sisters and brothers during the monthlong celebration.
In the Philippines, Catholics are showing exactly how to create a tent and welcome all during this ecumenical celebration as we focus on the theme, “A home for all? Renewing the Oikos of God.”
Also in the Philippines, Bishop of San Carlos Gerardo Alimane Alminaza is calling on all Catholics throughout the country to join him in celebrating the season by participating in the #SeasonOfCreation2021 photo challenge.
Catholics there have also created tents as symbols of how they welcome all during this special season, and they’ve led ambitious efforts to gather signatures for the “Healthy Planet, Healthy People” petition, how all people of goodwill can make sure world leaders take urgent action at two upcoming United Nations summits.
In India, the Phritvi Parivar Movement, an ecology movement convened by the Commission for Ecology of the Conference of Catholic Bishops of India (CCBI), started the season with a prayer service that helped participants reflect on their relationship with our Creator God. Bishop Allwyn D’Silva helped lead the service.
How is your community celebrating the Season of Creation? Let us know by emailing us here.
More about the 2021 Season of Creation