Nuns and laypeople at the Walk for Creation, organized by clergy and religious in the Philippines. (Photo by Angie de Silva)
Filipinos should learn to see caring for the environment as a full time duty, not just an extra-curricular activity, Manila Archbishop Luis Antonio Cardinal Tagle said Sept. 1 during celebrations marking the World Day of Prayer for the Care for Creation.
Cardinal Tagle led thousands of Catholics in a "Walk for Creation" by the shores of Manila Bay to stress the need for environmental protection in the face of climate change. Pope Francis has designated the month of September as the Season of Creation.
"It is high time for us to really work together, especially us, Filipinos, who witnessed widespread destruction of lives, lands, and infrastructures because of the harmful effects of climate change. Among these are typhoons, extreme weather, and earthquakes," the cardinal said.
He has asked Filipinos to undertake daily acts highlighting a "culture of caring."
The little things matter, he stressed, noting the trash found in Catholic churches after Mass.
"It's as if caring for creation is an extra curricular activity and not yet integrated into my discipleship, my being holy as a calling," Cardinal Tagle said.
"We participate in holy events, but immediately after and even during Mass, we do not see that caring for creation. Sometimes while attending Mass they'll eat candy and then they'll throw the wrapper on the floor," he said.
The Manila archbishop also reminded everyone about the pope's message in his encyclical Laudato si', which states that nature is not apart from humanity.
"Care for creation, is care for life," he said.
The cry from nature, he stressed is "the cry from the poor because the poor are the first victims of the misuse of creation."