Catholic Churches Hold Services for Season of Creation, Sept 1 - Oct 4

Catholic churches are observing a month dedicated to environmental awareness, running from September 1 to October 4. This initiative coincides with the 'World Day of Prayer for the Care of Creation' and the feast day of St Francis of Assisi. The theme for this year is 'To hope and act with Creation', emphasizing the need for collective action in the face of climate change, biodiversity loss, and pollution. Auxiliary Bishop Allwyn D'Silva highlighted the growing despair and eco-anxiety among people due to these crises. Churches are actively engaging their communities through various programs, including educational initiatives and environmental projects. Activities such as tree planting, local clean-ups, and advocacy for improved environmental policies are being organized. For instance, Our Lady of Lourdes in Malad is hosting a 'plant swap' event to encourage sharing of plant cuttings and seedlings, while St Theresa's Church in Bandra is establishing a 'Care for Creation' cell to promote environmental stewardship. Additionally, Don Bosco International School is celebrating creation with an event called 'Eco Canticles', featuring drama, music, and dance. The third Sunday of the month will focus on recycling efforts, collecting dry waste materials. These activities aim to foster a sense of responsibility towards the environment and encourage parishioners to reflect on their impact on the planet. Under Pope Francis's leadership, the Catholic Church has prioritized environmental issues, recognizing their significance for the most vulnerable populations. The Vatican recently hosted a summit addressing climate resilience, further underscoring the church's commitment to environmental advocacy during this critical period.