The Catholic Church in the Philippines observes the Season of Creation from September 1, the Day of Prayer for Creation, until Oct. 4, the feast of Saint Francis of Assisi, the patron saint of the environment.

With the theme “Listen to the Voice of Creation,” the observance calls on the faithful to be responsible stewards of the environment.

The Church has lined up several activities for the month-long observance such as the Walk for Creation on Sept. 1 to launch the event. Manila Archbishop Jose Cardinal Advincula also led the launching mass at the Manila Cathedral in Intramuros, Manila. On Oct. 8, Caritas Philippines, the social action arm of the Catholic Bishops’ Conference of the Philippines, will launch “Bike 4 Kalikasan,” a 32-kilometer bike caravan. The route of the caravan which will take off at 5 a.m.will be from Manila Cathedral in Intramuros to La Mesa Dam Nature Reserve Eco Park in Quezon City.

Rev. Fr. John Leydon, chairperson of the Laudato Si’ Movement Pilipinas stressed, that initiatives toward the preservation of the environment will only succeed if the public will pursue the cause despite the crises and problems occurring in the environment.

Meanwhile, Bishop Victor Bendico urged the faithful in Baguio City to use the message of the Burning Bush as an inspiration in the celebration of the Season of Creation.

“We must remind our small-scale miners to be responsible especially with the unregulated mining operations, and the use of toxic chemicals such as cyanide and mercury that destroy the environment,” said Bishop Bendico in a pastoral letter.

The Burning Bush from the Book of Genesis of the Holy Bible is the chosen symbol for this year’s Season of Creation, inspired by the fire of the Holy Spirit, which means that God hears the cries of those who suffer.