Information service of the Pontifical Mission Societies since 1927
Rome (Agenzia Fides) – September 1, 2009 marks the IV Day for the Protection of Creation, promoted by the National Office for Social Affairs and Labor and the National Office for Ecumenism and Interreligious Dialogue of the Italian Bishops' Conference (CEI). The Holy Father addressed this topic in his catechesis during the General Audience on Wednesday, August 26, and recalled the event in the Angelus on Sunday, August 30. The theme this year is taken from the Canticle of Creation by Saint Francis of Assisi - “Be praised, my Lord...for our Brothers Wind and Air and every kind of weather by which you, Lord, uphold life in all your creatures” - in honor of the centenary anniversary of the presentation of the Rule to Pope Innocence III, in 1209.
“We ask the ecclesial community to join in a renewed commitment and attention to that good which is indispensable for life: air,” says the Message issued by the CEI on the occasion. “Let us reflect on the need to breathe clean air and on our personal contribution in making that possible. Let us reflect also on the possibility of natural elements' contributing to catastrophe, but above all, let us protect them with our hearts filled with praise for God. First and foremost, let us rediscover His fingerprints in these things, as the Bible passage of Elijah on Mount Horeb reminds us.
After recalling that “the air we breathe is linked to life. Only when we are breathing do we have life,” the Message continued by addressing the relationship of the Triune God with all of creation and that every form of life in creation goes back to the Holy Spirit, as “in God Himself, it is the Third Person in the Spirit who gives life.”
Reflecting on the theme of “ecological conversion,” the text recalls that “the rupture in the relationship with creation and the indisputable effects of climate changes are consequences of sin, as is the fact that air – necessary for life – is polluted by all different forms of emissions, especially the so-called 'greenhouse gases.' However, if we realize that sin [exists], that it comes from a mistaken relationship with creation, we are called to 'ecological conversion,' as John Paul II called it.” Then, citing the Compendium of the Social Doctrine of the Church, the Message mentioned that “the climate is a good that must be protected,” and “there must be a prompt reduction in the emission of 'greenhouse gases' and necessary precaution must be taken in preserving it for future generations, but also for the earth's poor who are already suffering from the effects of climate changes. Thus, a profound renewal is needed in our lifestyle and economy, in an effort to preserve energy with a greater sobriety in consumption.”
In the concluding part of the Message, it says that “the commitment to preserving climate stability is a matter that concerns the entire human family in a common responsibility, that also poses an important question of justice: often the majority of the consequences are suffered by those peoples least responsible for the climate changes.” Lastly, mentioning the International Conference on climate changes, which will take place in December in Copenhagen, as an occasion for the international community to set guidelines for efficient actions against global warming for the upcoming decades, the text concludes: “As believers, we are called to make a special commitment to protecting creation, as being Christians always and everywhere implies a responsibility towards creation.” (SL) (Agenzia Fides 31/8/2009)
