Church is society’s conscience to care for creation, says Filipino bishop

A Filipino bishop has emphasized the Church's critical role in guiding the faithful to care for creation as the climate crisis intensifies.

Bishop Socrates Mesiona stated that the Church must act as the "conscience of society" to protect our common home.

In an exclusive interview with Radio Veritas Asia, the bishop discussed the environmental challenges faced by the Apostolic Vicariate of Puerto Princesa, located in the island province of Palawan, a renowned tourist destination in the Philippines.

"Palawan is rich in natural resources, but it is threatened by mining, quarrying, and illegal fishing," Bishop Mesiona said. He highlighted the ongoing threat of extreme urban development in the area.

The bishop revealed that the Church is actively collaborating with the local government to address these ecological challenges. He also praised various non-governmental organizations (NGOs) for their significant contributions to environmental preservation efforts.

"There is already an awareness among our people about the need to care for the earth," said Bishop Mesiona. "Our role is to partner with NGOs and work together for this cause."

Through these collaborations, the Church aims to reinforce its commitment to environmental stewardship and ensure that the message of caring for creation is effectively communicated and acted upon.

As part of his mission to bring people together, Bishop Mesiona shared that he spends most of his time going on pastoral visits and meeting various communities within the vicariate.

With most of their priests advancing in age, the prelate has allotted more time to travel throughout his ecclesiastical territory to promote vocations and lay empowerment.

“I go out to the so-called peripheries… and just let them allow them to speak out so that I can listen as their pastor,” he explained.

“I feel more fulfilled, especially if I go to different communities and listen to stories of our people… It is a very enriching and humbling experience,” he also said.

The prelate also emphasized their constant dialogue and support to the poor.

“Even if we have gained some economic progress, the majority are still poor [and] left out,” he said.

Moreover, Bishop Mesiona stated they have a strong ecumenical movement and a special ministry for indigenous people.

“In the southern part of Palawan, we have a lot of Muslims [and] different Christian denominations… We have constant dialogue with [our] Christian brothers of different traditions,” he explained.

In closing, the bishop encouraged tourists visiting Puerto Princesa for its beaches and natural parks to include churches in their itineraries.

“Tourism is also considered to be a means for evangelization,” he said. “Some of [the tourists] visit the church. In that way, we [can] also dialogue with them.”