LIPA (LiCAS News): Archbishop Gilbert A. Garcera of Lipa, Batangas, the Philippines, urged Catholics to take “bold steps” in addressing the worsening climate crisis, aligning his call with a recent pastoral letter from the Federation of Asian Bishops’ Conferences [FABC] on environmental protection.
In a circular dated March 23, Archbishop Garcera warned of the intensifying “cry of the earth and the cry of the poor” and said the Church must not remain passive in the face of ecological destruction.
“As stewards of God’s creation, we cannot remain indifferent,” the archbishop wrote.
He echoed the FABC’s appeal for the Church in Asia to respond to the climate emergency with “urgency, hope, and concrete action.”
He also cited Laudate Deum [Praise God], Pope Francis 2023 apostolic exhortation calling for speedier action against the climate crisis and condemning climate change denial, which calls for “decisive steps in protecting our common home for future generations.”
Archbishop Garcera said the environmental crisis is a moral and spiritual issue, urging the faithful to engage in a “profound examination of conscience—not only our personal lives but also in our relationship with creation.”
How have we, through neglect or inaction, contributed to the suffering of our planet? How can we, as a Church, commit ourselves to ecological conversion? The time for reflection must lead to action.
Archbishop Garcera
He asked, “How have we, through neglect or inaction, contributed to the suffering of our planet? How can we, as a Church, commit ourselves to ecological conversion? The time for reflection must lead to action.”
In response to these questions, the archbishop announced three key initiatives aimed at integrating environmental stewardship into the Archdiocese of Lipa’s pastoral mission.
First, he said the Lipa Archdiocesan Social Action Commission would function as a centre for disaster preparedness, providing “specialised training for Parish Social Action Committees to strengthen climate resilience and emergency response.”
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All parishes were encouraged to engage in these programmes, and for communities to be “ready and equipped to respond to the challenges of climate change.”
Second, he directed the Archdiocesan Ministry on Environment to enhance observance of the Season of Creation [September 1 to October 4].
He urged parish-based ecological initiatives and expressed support for organising a Laudato Si’ Congress.
Third, Archbishop Garcera emphasised the importance of faith-based ecological education. He called on the University of Saint Anthony of Lipa and the Lipa Archdiocesan Catholic Schools Association to incorporate “ecological spirituality” into their faith formation programmes.
“Schools and parishes can adopt Laudato Si’ principles in their curriculum and catechesis, forming a generation that respects and protects the environment as an essential part of their Christian vocation,” the archbishop said.
He said that addressing environmental issues is not just a matter of public concern but one of Christian duty. “We recognise that true ecological conversion must be rooted in our faith,” the archbishop said.
“The challenge before us is immense, but our faith calls us to action. Let us not delay in responding to this urgent need,” he wrote.
“May this Lenten Season be a time of conversion, renewal, and commitment—a moment when we, as one Church, take bold steps in caring for our common home,” the archbishop said.
