“Let us join the mighty river by transforming our hearts. This is essential for any other transformation to occur; it is that “ecological conversion” which Saint John Paul II encouraged us to embrace: the renewal of our relationship with creation so that we no longer see it as an object to be exploited but cherish it instead as a sacred gift from our Creator.”
This was the excerpt of the message of Pope Francis as he calls for a “renewed relationship” for the Creation in lieu for the World Day of Prayer for the Care for Creation released last May 13, 2023.
Pope Francis explained that this transformation requires heeding the call for “ecological conversion” as creation cannot be exploited. Hence, it is to maintain the balance between “God, humanity and nature.”
According to Veritas News, the Pope stressed that it shall start by living a life of simplicity and humanity should take charge in protecting the Creation given the circumstances such as climate change, flooding, and natural disasters that destroy the planet. Also, Pope Francis mentioned tht it starts with a sense of justice as an ingredient to achieve greater peace.
“Creation refers both to God’s mysterious, magnificent act of creating this majestic, beautiful planet and universe out of nothing and to the continuing result of that act, which we experience as an inexhaustible gift,” he said.
The theme for the celebration for the 2023 Ecumenical Season of Creation is “Let Justice and Peace Flow” which originated from Prophet Amos, “Let justice flow on like a river, righteousness like a never-failing stream” (5:24).
The World Day of Prayer of Creation is celebrated every 1st of September and ends on October 4, the Feast Day of Saint Francis of Assisi. Pope Francis instituted this celebration in 2015 as a way of uniting the Catholic Church with the Orthodox Church. (Hazel Boquiren/RCAM-AOC)
