Bishop Ruperto Cruz Santos of Antipolo has called on Catholics to renew their commitment to environmental stewardship as the Church marks the 10th anniversary of Laudato Si’, Pope Francis’ encyclical on care for creation.
In his pastoral message released ahead of the June anniversary of Pope Francis’ 2015 encyclical on the care for creation, Bishop Santos reminded the faithful of their sacred duty as stewards of the planet. Quoting Psalm 24:1, he wrote: “The earth is the Lord’s, and everything in it, the world, and all who live in it.”
“Ten years ago, the Holy Father reminded us that the earth is not merely a resource to be exploited but a precious gift entrusted to us by our Creator,” Santos said. “He urged us to listen to the cry of the poor and the cry of the earth, to recognize that our well-being is intricately tied to the well-being of our planet.”
Bishop Santos emphasized the need for both personal and collective action, calling on individuals to embrace daily habits such as “reducing waste, conserving water, protecting forests, and advocating for policies that uphold environmental justice.”
He also invited Catholics to “cultivate an ecological spirituality, seeing in creation the presence of God and responding with gratitude and care.”
Calling for wider participation in the Church’s ecological mission, Bishop Santos said, “I encourage all people of goodwill to take part in this mission. Let our parishes, schools, and communities be shining examples of sustainability and compassion. Let us walk together, inspired by faith and love, to safeguard this world for future generations.”
He concluded his message by invoking the guidance of the Virgin Mary, saying, “May Our Lady of Peace and Good Voyage guide us in our journey of stewardship, and may the Holy Spirit enlighten us in our efforts to protect the beauty and integrity of our common home.”
