The head of the Catholic Bishops’ Conference of the Philippines is urging the faithful to embrace their role as stewards of the earth, calling care for creation a “moral and spiritual responsibility—a path of justice, peace, and love.”
In a message marking the start of the 2025 Season of Creation, which runs from Sept. 1 to Oct. 4, Cardinal Pablo Virgilio David emphasized the urgency of ecological conversion in the face of climate change and environmental degradation.
These global challenges, he noted, disproportionately affect the poor and vulnerable.
“We cannot ignore the grave threats facing our world today– climate change, environmental destruction, and the reckless exploitation of resources. These burdens fall most heavily on the poor and vulnerable,” David said.
In July, Pope Leo XIV approved a new Votive Mass for the Care of Creation to be included in the Roman Missal.
The new Mass offers Catholics a formal opportunity to thank God for the gift of creation and renew their commitment to protecting it.
The CBCP has resolved to celebrate this Mass on the first Sunday of September each year “so that more of the faithful may join in reflection and prayer for ecological conversion.”
The cardinal urged all parishes, communities, and families to celebrate the Eucharist using the new formulary and to take concrete steps toward sustainable living.
“[Let us] protect forests, seas, and skies, reduce waste, and safeguard life for future generations,” David said, urging Catholics to incorporate environmental responsibility into daily life.
He also urged the faithful to live this Season of Creation with “faith and courage,” trusting that the Lord has entrusted humanity with the care of the Earth.
