HONG KONG (SE): The theme of this year’s Season of Creation is ‘Hope and Action with Creation’, which reminds us to act quickly to preserve and protect our planet. In response, the Diocesan Commission for Integral Human Development has organised a series of initiatives to promote ecological conversion, from digital challenges to outdoor experiences, to raise awareness and encourage individuals to act in harmony with nature.
The commission has organised two outdoor events to bring participants closer to creation. The first took place on August 31 at an eco-community in Nam Chung, where a group of people is actively working to create a sustainable lifestyle in the rural area in the northeast New Territories. Their approach includes organic farming, community building and the integration of eco-friendly practices into everyday life, as well as spiritual activities that allow people to connect with the natural world.
According to Debby Chan, project officer of the commission, the beautiful surroundings at Nam Chung allowed the participants to connect with nature immediately. They were first invited to choose nature-inspired names for the event, such as “Miss White Birds” and “Mr. and Mrs. Grass”, and then engaged in group drawing exercises and contemplative techniques.
“These activities facilitated reflection on the value of each of God’s creations, and participants ultimately gained a deeper appreciation for the tranquility of Hong Kong’s natural environment,” Chan said.
Another event is a visit to a fish pond in Sun Tin on September 14, where the owner tries to create a non-hostile environment for nearby birds by keeping the water at a low level and stocking small fish during the harvest season for them to feed on. “In fact, this is an example that shows that in our lives, if we can think more carefully, we can be better stewards of nature and discover the presence of God,” Chan said.
These activities facilitated reflection on the value of each of God’s creations, and participants ultimately gained a deeper appreciation for the tranquility of Hong Kong’s natural environment
Debby Chan
The commission also produced a digital guide to the Season of Creation summarising Pope Francis’ message for the occasion. The guide includes weekly challenges, such as encouraging people to take walks in parks or rural areas to appreciate God’s creation. It has been distributed to different parishes to encourage parishioners to learn more about the Season of Creation and to reflect on their actions during this time.
A four-week workshop organised by the commission will also offer a unique ecological conversion journey of through a combination of art and spirituality. Participants will engage in activities such as watching the film, The Letter, which tells the story of a group of frontline leaders’ journey to Rome to discuss the encyclical, Laudato Si’, with Pope Francis. They will be invited to participate in expressive arts therapy, read the encyclical and experience ecological contemplation to deepen their understanding of ecological issues and foster a sense of connection with nature.
The workshop will take place over four consecutive Saturdays from September 7 at the Catholic Diocese Centre, Caine Road. A team of facilitators, including Franciscan Brother William Ng, an educator, expressive arts therapist and environmental studies expert, will guide participants through the programme.
“We hope to raise awareness and deepen the relationship between God, man and nature, so that the concept can take root in the hearts of the participants,” said Susanna Lee, project officer for the commission.
An outdoor ecological event will also be offered on October 6 at the Precious Blood Farm in Lung Yeuk Tau. This outdoor event will include an open-air Mass led by Bishop Joseph Ha Chi-shing, a farming experience and pizza-making to help participants enjoy nature with food.
