HomeNewsPhilippine religious orders end ‘Season of Creation’ with calls for justice

Philippine religious orders end ‘Season of Creation’ with calls for justice

The religious leaders reiterated what they described as “the need” for the Church’s “prophetic voice” in the midst of “worsening injustice and inequality”

The Association of Major Religious Superiors in the Philippines (AMRSP) marked the end of the “Season of Creation” with renewed calls for justice.

The religious leaders reiterated what they described as “the need” for the Church’s “prophetic voice” in the midst of “worsening injustice and inequality” in the country.

At least 100 people, including religious men and women, gathered at the San Isidro Labrador quasi parish in the Diocese of Cubao on October 5.




Father Angelito Cortez, co-executive secretary of the association, said “now, more than ever,” the Church needs “to amplify its voice that echoes the ‘Cries of the Poor and of the Earth.’”

He said the celebration of the “Season of Creation” does not only emphasize the need to protect the environment “but it also highlights our obligation to uphold human life and human dignity.”

Families of victims of the government’s “war” on drugs attended the observance.

In his homily, Father Robert Reyes, known for his vocal criticism of the government, said the “grave disregard” for the “Cry of the Earth” and the sanctity of human life “are becoming more alarming.”

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He said that in his parish alone, at least 11 people have been killed since March.

He blamed the police “for the unceasing spate of drug-related killings” that have reportedly reached over 30,000 since July 2016.

“The level of the culture of impunity in the country has become unprecedented,” said Father. “These crimes against humanity must stop.”

The Association of Major Religious Superiors in the Philippines holds a Holy Mass to mark the culmination of the “Season of Creation” in Manila on October 5. (Photo by Mark Saludes)

In a statement for the occasion, the AMRSP underscored the need “to restore the balance between nature and peoples, prevent wars, end poverty, and hunger.”

“The time is now to uphold the principles of equality, justice, and sustainability, and affirm the need for a prophetic voice in defense of our common home and our human family,” it read.

The group said the “Season of Creation,” which unites the world’s 2.2 billion Christians around one shared purpose, invites the public “to come together and work for global justice and care for creation.”

“We are witnessing the growing fractures, cracks, and weaknesses of globalization, of an economy fueled by uncontrolled production of goods, uninhibited misuse of natural resources, and the unbridled quest for profit at the expense of both humans and environment,” read the statement.

The AMRSP called on its 361 member congregations to renew their commitment as a Church that “walks with and listens to the people.”

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