In 2015, Pope Francis issued the encyclical, Laudato Si’ [Praise be to you], designating the period from September 1 to October 4, the feast of St. Francis of Assisi, as the Season of Creation. During this time, Catholics around the world are encouraged to pray together and engage in activities that promote the care, love, and protection of our common home.
This year’s message for the World Day of Prayer for the Care of Creation is themed “Hope and Act with Creation,” with Pope Francis calling for humanity to reflect on the challenges posed by the over-exploitation of resources, encouraging ecological conversion, and advocating for a life lived in harmony with the Earth.
In October 2023, Pope Francis issued the apostolic exhortation, Laudate Deum [Praise God], focusing on the increasingly severe issue of climate change in recent years.
Faced with the ecological crisis brought about by various forms of pollution and environmental destruction, some may fall into despair. However, our faith is rooted in the Holy Spirit dwelling within us, guiding us toward the pursuit of eternal good according to the fullness of Jesus’ true humanity. The Christian life is one of active goodness, filled with hope and anticipating the glorious return of Jesus Christ. Christ’s redemption not only encompasses humanity but extends to all of Creation, including our common home—the Earth.
Humanity’s excessive land development and reckless exploitation of natural resources have disrupted the balance of the natural ecosystem. In truth, the Earth is entrusted to us by God to care for. We are merely gardeners but not the owners of Creation, let alone possessors of absolute dominion.
In this context, Pope Francis specifically called for setting ethical boundaries in the development of artificial intelligence in this year’s message for the World Day of Prayer for the Care of Creation. The computational and simulation abilities of AI can be used to control both humanity and nature,which poses a significant threat if not applied with caution.
In Hong Kong, many parishes and church groups organise various activities during the Season of Creation to awaken public awareness and encourage the faithful to exercise ecological conversion. Each of us can start with ourselves and then invite friends and family, who may not know God, to join in cherishing Creation.
Simple steps include nature walks, conserving electricity, using public transportation rather than driving to reduce carbon emissions, opting for eco-friendly fuels, minimising environmental pollution, reducing the use of plastic products, supporting recycling, and practicing a simple lifestyle that values natural resources.
Our Creator God, may we act in unity with creation with hope. SE
