As the Church brings this year’s Season of Creation to a close on October 4, the feast of St Francis of Assisi, it’s worth asking what has actually changed in us since September 1. The season’s theme, “Living Water”, drawn from Ezekiel’s vision of a stream flowing from the Temple until it becomes a healing river, is more than a gentle metaphor—it is an invitation to renewal. Still water can stagnate, while flowing water brings fresh life and renewal to everything it touches.
The Diocese of Hong Kong opened the season with a Mass for the Care of Creation at the Cathedral of the Immaculate Conception, reminding the faithful of the Church’s integral ecological vision. Father Dominic Chan Chi-ming urged the faithful to set aside needless anxiety about the future, distinguish genuine needs from unfounded fears, and rediscover clarity through time spent in nature. In keeping with the Church’s teaching and pastoral priorities, the celebration of the season clarifies that concern for the environment cannot be separated from the pursuit of justice: care for our common home and care for the most vulnerable must always go hand in hand.
The Diocesan Commission for Integral Human Development shared six videos about why Laudato Si’ still matters in our city, and parishes responded creatively. St. Andrew’s Church made water conservation fun and turned recycling points into food for families in need. St. Lawrence Parish started a rooftop family farm that helped children spend less time on screens and brought neighbours together. A screening of “Clare and Francis”, along with an outdoor retreat at St. Ignatius Chapel reflecting on Cain and Abel, helped the faithful see how our damaged relationship with nature is part of the larger story of broken human relationships.
The most inspiring example has come from our migrant sisters and brothers. Through Caritas’ Green Migrant Workers, Green Project, almost 100 foreign domestic workers became green ambassadors, organised an upcycled fashion show, and encouraged over 400 others to use the government’s Go Green app. They came to Hong Kong not just to care for their families back home, but also to care for Hong Kong families and help protect its environment. People who are often overlooked in this city have become leaders in caring for creation. This change truly reflects the gospel.
Pope Leo XIV’s message for this year’s World Day of Prayer for the Care of Creation takes up Isaiah’s call to turn swords into ploughshares. He connects the harm we do to the environment with war and with the struggles inside each of us. It is a serious reminder: every resource spent on destruction is taken away from protecting life.
Cardinal Stephen Chow, S.J., will lead the outdoor Mass at Wah Yan College, Kowloon, on October 3, with Father Ignatius Lo King-ip giving the homily. This event will be both a fitting end and a new start. Right now, only six parishes have active environmental groups. If caring for creation is truly part of our faith and not just a seasonal interest, more parishes need to get involved.
The river does not stop at the Temple door, and we should not stop either. jose CMF
