As part of the month-long ecumenical awareness initiative known as the Season of Creation, the Diocese of San Carlos released a message emphasizing the need to "confront the stark reality of injustice within our nation."

Posted by the Catholic Bishops' Conference of the Philippines (CBCP) on its Facebook page on Sept. 22, the message --- which was signed by San Carlos Bishop Gerardo Alminaza --- called on faith communities “to champion climate and ecological justice” as well as to “stand in solidarity with those most affected by climate injustice and biodiversity loss.”

Alminaza’s message also highlighted the plight of two environmental activists Jolina Castro and Jhed Tamano who serve as a “distressing reminder of the challenge we face.”

The theme for this year’s Season of Creation is “Let Justice and Peace Flow.” However, Alminaza lamented that this dream remains “elusive” in the Philippines where “violence, injustice, and the targeting of activists” persist.

“It remains a dream when our government leaders choose silence and enable injustice instead. It remains a dream amidst the ongoing violence and killings,” Alminaza said.

Letting “justice and peace flow,” Alminaza added will “continue to be dream if we succumb to this ‘culture of death’ and accept it as the ‘new normal’.”

Alminaza emphasized that faith communities should continue to "embrace their integral role in caring for both people and nature while safeguarding God's creation, even amid the violation of the rights of both people and nature."

“Together, as people of God, we must work tirelessly on behalf of all Creation, contributing to the mighty river of peace and justice.”

As posted on CBCP News on its website, the Season of Creation also known as “Creation Time” is an ecumenical celebration for many Christian Churches, but especially the Catholic Church.

This is celebrated from Sept. 1 to Oct. 4, which is the date of the feast of St. Francis of Assisi, the patron saint of those who promote ecology.

“Most of the Dioceses in the Philippines, if not all, have dutifully celebrated this year’s Season of Creation which, commendably enough, was spearheaded by the youth groups,” CBCP added. (Erika Mariel Custodio Escover)