-         Nigel Akuani

 

Port Moresby: Staff of the Catholic Bishops Conference of PNGSI were more than obliged to participate in the commemoration of the 2020 Season of Creation.

 

The short but engaging highlight of the day took place on Monday 31st August at the Catholic Bishops Conference in Gordons. It had the presence of 33 staff that included Priests and Religious.

 

It was a way of upholding Pope Francis’ encyclical Laudato Si,and honouring the Season of Creation that starts on 1st September, the Day of Prayer for Creation, and ends 4th October, the Feast of St. Francis of Assisi, the patron saint of ecology.

 

The occasion had the screening of two reflective videos: Message of Pope Francis on Season of Creation, and The Inner Universe. A brief practical exercise was also given were participants were required to write a deed dedicated to upholding the season. All were aimed at inspiring commitment on an individual level to create a positive change for the benefit of future generations to come.

 

According to Pope Francis in the Sunday Angelus of 30th August, in St Peter’s Square, this season was a time to "...celebrate, along with our fellow Christians of different Churches and traditions, the 'Jubilee for the Earth'," 

 

He said the season of creation was a time to commemorate the establishment of ‘World Earth Day’, 50 years ago. He went onto command the various initiatives made across the world to honour this day, specifically the concert that took place in the Cathedral of Port Louis, capital city of Mauritius where unfortunately, an environmental disaster occurred.

 

Secretary of the Dicastery for Integral Human Development Bruno-Marie Duffé, has urged for Catholics around the world to join and participate with the ecumenical family, the Season of Creation.

 

The Season of Creation is an annual event that encourages prayer and action for our common home, held from September 1, the World Day of Prayer for Creation, to October 4, the Feast of St. Francis of Assisi.