HOMILY OF THE MINISTER GENERAL FOR THE FEAST OF THE PARDON OF ASSISI
“Praised be You, my Lord, who with all Your creatures,
especially Sir Brother Sun…, through Sister Moon and the stars…
Praised be You, my Lord, through Brother Wind,…Sister Water,…Brother Fire,…
Sister Mother Earth, who sustains and governs us…
Praised be you, my Lord, through those who give pardon for Your love,
and bear infirmity and tribulations.”
Over the past few years, the climate crisis has demonstrated the need to look for new alternative renewable energy systems. In various countries, the Franciscan friars have been carrying out a process of energy transition in their houses, parishes and schools; the majority have opted for solar energy.
We need to create a new culture, a new civilization that gives full respect to the infinite Love and Goodness of God in Creation. Only then will we be able to sing together with St. Francis of Assisi and St. Bonaventure ‘Praised be the Lord of Creation
Integral ecological conversion is one of the proposals made by the Pope in his letter, since the problems are not presented in an isolated way, but are interconnected. An integral conversion should encompass, among other things, the political, social, environmental and economic aspects.
The liturgy garnered a 150 thousand viewership both live and replay. It was followed by the Laudato Si Serenade Concert, featuring the different talents of the different congregations present in the Philippines including our very own OFM friars and some local singer celebrities.
We hope you’re doing o.k. at this difficult time for people everywhere. Today is World Earth Day, and we want to invite you to join in celebrating our common home while you’re confined to your own home. Will you and the people you’re in contact with rise to the challenge of “Planting hope and harvesting joy”?
As Franciscans, we must not remain on the sidelines in the peaceful, non-violent transformation but rather be active, creative and courageous participants in it.
In the time of the pandemic, we remember the importance of washing our hands for public health. But we know that there are more than 2.2 billion people who don’t have access to clean water. They are denied from water, the gift of God, that is the fundamental right of humanity.
The Franciscan spirit led to the design of a long-term project of tree planting to be carried out at schools at first. Its objective was to plant 1,000 trees of native species, contributing to the identity of the people and their origins.