The youth, civic organizations, agency representatives and other environmental stakeholders have been invited to participate in a vigil of the green kind this Oct. 3-4, 2024 at the patio of the Immaculate Concepcion Cathedral.
Sponsored by the Diocese of Virac through the Social Action Commission and Caritas Virac Justice and Peace, Inc., the “Banggi nin Pag-Omaw, Pagpasalamat, Pagrokyaw, Pagpapatawad asin Pamibi sa Kagurangnan para sa Kapalibutan” is being conducted in celebration of the Season of Creation 2024.
The celebration was started in 1989 by Ecumenical Patriarch Dimitrios I, who proclaimed September 1 as a day of prayer for creation for the Orthodox church.
The World Council of Churches extended the celebration from September 1 until October 4, with Pope Francis making official the Roman Catholic Church’s welcoming of the season as part of its annual calendar in 2015.
From 7 PM of Oct. 3 to 7 AM of Oct. 4, the event will feature a variety of music, praises, dances, prayers, learnings and testimonies on “how beautiful and good indeed is the Earth, our Common Home,” CVJPI Director Rev. Fr. Renato R. dela Rosa said in his invitation.
It will likewise feature the challenges and dangers faced by Mother Earth today, recalling the Catholic Bishops Conference of the Philippines’ prophetic call for justice and care and “emergency action” in their 1988 Pastoral Letter
Aside from a message by Most Rev. Luisito Audal Occiano, the Bishop of Virac, the evening program consists of a discussion of the CBCP Letters, testimonies from two public officials at the forefront of the local environmental movement, offering of commitment and serenade to Mother Earth.
The early morning half begins with “Spirituality and Liturgy of Creation” by the Anawim Franciscans followed by a film showing, the 4:30 AM Walk for Creation, the celebration of the Holy Eucharist at 5:30 AM on the Feast of St. Francis the Asssi, a blessing of pet animals, and agape at the cathedral patio.