In July, Pope Francis released his message for the World Day of Prayer for the Care of Creation. Themed, Listen to the Voice of Creation the message calls for us to care for the common home of humankind, and to reflect on the challenges brought on by exhaustive exploitation of resources.
In 2015, the Pope issued the encyclical Laudato Si’. Each year since then, the period from September 1 to October 4—feast of St. Francis of Assisi—has been designated as the Season of Creation. Catholics all over the world are encouraged to renew their faith in God. They should, in specific ways, pray and work together to care for our common home.
Local parishes and ecclesiastical groups will organise various activities to appeal to the public to observe and practise ecological conversion.
Over the past few months, we have spoken about praying for creation, a topic of great importance. It has been seven years since Laudato Si’ was promulgated. However, there have not been any corresponding changes in human behaviour or lifestyle. People seem oblivious to the ecological crises mentioned in the encyclical. Some countries and large enterprises still make financial interests their main concern. They have ignored the cry of the earth.
Over-consumption, abuse of natural resources and destruction of the environment have resulted in the extinction of many species. Changes in the biosphere and the food chains also have profound impact. The act of over-cultivation and deforestation have caused global temperatures to rise. According to the 2021 Report on the State of the Global Climate, we have experienced the hottest weather on record in the past seven years. Rising global temperatures have accelerated the melting of glaciers and has resulted in the flooding of rivers. Climate change has also triggered various natural disasters: droughts, fires, tsunamis… The earth is crying, and different creatures are wailing.
In respect of ecological protection, the Environmental Protection Department in Hong Kong promotes actively the increased use of electric vehicles so as to reduce carbon emissions and help solve the air pollution problems. The Hong Kong Government is also encouraging renewable energy and waste recycling, with a view to reducing pollution due to over consumption.
What is more important is to change the public mindset. On the path to ecological conversion, we should start with our daily habits and try to do one good deed a day such as paying attention to the presence of God through prayer or contact with nature, and to be good ecological citizens. In the conversion process, don’t forget to care for the poor and the weakest, as they are usually the first to fall victim to ecological and climate crises.
Let us continue to pray for creation, to reconcile with nature, and to be grateful for the opportunities offered to us in our lives. SE
