C ATH O L I C B I S H O P S C O N F E R E N C E O F T H E P H I L I P P I N E S

PRAISED BE THE LORD....An Encyclical on the Environment

Even before Pope Francis released to the world his encyclical on the environment and on climate
change, some thought he was venturing into a field best left to scientists.
But a Papal Encyclical is not teaching on science. To search for scientific explanations to
phenomena -- that is the province and the competence of science and of scientists, and while the
Church takes keen interest in scientific discoveries and studies it is not a teacher of science.
This, however, is what Gaudium et Spes (of the Second Vatican Council) says:
"The truth is that the imbalances under which the modern world labors are linked with that more
basic imbalance which is rooted in the heart of man. For in man himself many elements wrestle
with one another...The Church firmly believes that Christ, who died and was raised up for all, can
through His Spirit offer man the light and the strength to measure up to his supreme destiny." (n.
10)
This is why the Pope's encyclical on the worrisome and truly pressing environmental and
ecological issues should be truly EXCITING! We are still suffering from the sweltering heat of
this summer, and hardly anyone will contest the claim that this was among the hottest of summers
we have ever gone through. We are also warned about more erratic weather systems including
more violent typhoons.
HOW DO WE RESPOND as human persons, and as sons and daughters of God? What should all
of this mean for us? If, as scientists seem to allege, we are to blame to a large extent for ruining
that delicate balance of our ecology, then how do we make up?
We are taught the science, and we are given various technologies to cope, insofar as coping
remains possible. But the roots of our indifference to environmental and ecological concerns -which, in the ultimate analysis, are concerns for the good of all -- and the sinful dispositions in all
of us that make us contributors to the depredation of a world entrusted to our stewardship, these
are what scientists cannot teach us. All this, the Encyclical promises to address.
But the Pope's letter will remain nothing more than ink on paper until we all allow ourselves to be
won over by St. Francis' exaltation of all of created reality....Praised be God for brother sun, sister
moon....praised be God for all that lives and moves...praised be God for grass and trees, flowers
and plants in their myriad forms! It is this joy that breaks out into song Laudato Si. And
rejoicing in creation, we adore, in gratitude, the Creator of all and live his will to be wise and
prudent stewards of His gifts!
From the Cathedral of Saint John the Evangelist, Dagupan City, June 18, 2015

(Sgd) + SOCRATES B. VILLEGAS

Archbishop of Lingayen-Dagupan
President, CBCP

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