Bishop Gerry Alminaza of the Diocese of San Carlos in the Philippines shared a message of support to the 2024 Season of Creation as one of the faith leaders from around the globe who led the time of prayer and reflection on 1 September 2024, also known as Day of Prayer for the Care of Creation or Feast of Creation. Bishop Alminaza is also the head of the National Laudato Si’ Program of the Catholic Bishops’ Conference of the Philippines (CBCP).
“Listen to the song of creation. We are called to observe ourselves and observe the world. It’s time to stop and reflect on our own behavior. To do so, we must first recognize the gift of creation. The song of creation is a sign of God’s creative love.
“Do we recognize ourselves as part of God’s creation? Do we recognize that nature is something that is not apart from us? And that we are nature. Where do we say and hear this beauty?
“As part of the call of introspection, the text also calls for awareness and repentance. Micah describes a negative context in which his body longs for the fruits of the Earth. But there seems to be no hope.
“We must reexamine our lives. Repent our ecological sins and renew faith in God who redeems and restores us.”
To listen to Bishop Alminaza’s prayer and reflection, please go to this YouTube link of Prayer Service for Creation Day and his message runs from 21:49 to 27:31.