The Living Laudato Si Philippines expressed their support for the newly installed Archbishop of Manila, Jose Cardinal Advincula with regards to the advocacy of protecting the environment where throwaway culture is significant and imminent in the current times.
In an interview with Radio Veritas, Rodne Galicha, Executive Director of Living Laudato Si Philippines, expressed their high hopes that Cardinal Advincula will be a strong advocate for the vulnerable sectors of the society including the indigenous peoples who are protecting their land.
“We’re hopeful sa pagkatalaga kay Cardinal Joe na maging Arsobispo ng Maynila. ‘Yung kanyang mga positions lalong lalo na dun sa mga katutubo natin doon sa Panay [Island], isa ‘yun sa mga pahiwatig na ‘yung kanyang advocacy para sa kalikasan at sa mga katutubo ay nandyan,” he said.
Galicha added that the organization vocally expressed their hope that with Cardinal Advincula’s episcopal motto “Audiam”, he will be listening and be more sensitive to the changes in the environment which the Pope calls for in the Laudato Si encyclical.
“Hopeful ang Living Laudato Si Philippines at lalong lalo na dahil ang kanyang motto ay “Audiam”- siya ay makikinig. Tamang-tama ‘yan sa mensahe ng Laudato Si na we need to listen to both cries of the earth [and] the cry of the poor. Ang pakikinig ay malaking hamon na dapat magbibigay ng boses sa mga hinaing at pagtangis ng kalikasan lalo na ng mga maralita,” he said.
The Cardinal was known for his love for nature. This even becomes evident in his knowledge of many different plant species. Before the Cardinal left for Manila, he launched the “Cardinal Jose Advincula Grove of Philippine Native Trees” in the Archdiocese of Capiz with 45 trees which signifies his 45 years of service to the Church.
Cardinal Jose Advincula was installed as the 33rd Archbishop of Manila on June 24, 2021. (Hazel Boquiren/RCAM-AOC | Photo by Maricar Santos/RCAM-AOC)
