MANZINI, SEPTEMBER 3, 2021 (CISA)– Rt. Rev. José Luís Ponce de León IMC, Bishop of the Catholic Diocese of Manzini, has called on the clergy, religious, and laity in the diocese to be, one in prayer and awareness during this ecumenical Season of Creation.
The bishop was speaking September 1 as he blessed solar panels at the St. Theresa’s Clinic to mark the beginning of the Season of Creation.
“We are gathered here today to bless the very first initiative of our diocese regarding renewable energy: the installation of solar panels at St Theresa’s Clinic and Hope House. It is a sign of our commitment, as the Diocese of Manzini, as Catholic Church, towards better care of our common home,” said Bishop José Luís.
In a letter addressed to the clergy, religious and lay of Manzini Diocese the bishop reminded that the Southern African Catholic Bishops’ Conference (SACBC) in its last plenary had resolved to celebrate the Season of Creation in the territory.
“This ecumenical celebration starts today, 1st September, the World Day of Prayer for the Care of Creation, and ends 4 October, the Feast Day of St. Francis of Assisi, the patron saint of ecology beloved by many Christian denominations,” he said.
The prelate echoed a joint message by Pope Francis, Ecumenical Patriarch Bartholomew, and Justin Welby the Archbishop of Canterbury, encouraging the faithful to take part in the annual “Celebration of prayer, reflection and action for our natural environment,” noting that, “A united Christian response is needed to overcome the climate crisis and care for the most vulnerable among us.”
The 2021 Season of Creation is themed, “A home for all? Renewing the Oikos of God.” The annual Christian celebration of prayer and action for our common home invites the ecumenical family around the world to unite, pray, protect, and advocate for God’s creation.
