Despite stormy weather, Cardinal Stephen Chow Sau-yan, Bishop of Hong Kong, reminded the faithful that humanity is part of nature and cannot control it, urging repentance and renewed commitment to care for creation. He delivered this message during a special Mass for the Care of Creation held on September 7.
“The weather was not as expected, but this experience once again reminds us that nature and the environment are not for us to control. Rather, we are part of creation itself. The consequences caused by humanity are nature’s warning that we must bear them ourselves,” Cardinal Chow said in his homily.
The Church worldwide observes the Season of Creation annually from September 1 to October 4. To mark the occasion, the diocesan Commission for Integral Human Development had originally planned an outdoor Mass at Clear Water Bay Country Park. The liturgy was also intended to introduce the Eucharistic texts for the Mass for the Care of Creation recently promulgated by the Dicastery for Divine Worship and the Discipline of the Sacraments. However, due to the No. 3 typhoon signal hoisted that day, the celebration was relocated to the parish hall of St. Andrew’s Church, Tseung Kwan O. More than 100 faithful participated, with Cardinal Chow presiding and Fr. Fung King-ho concelebrating.
Drawing on the day’s weather as a lesson, Cardinal Chow stressed that being “stewards of the earth” does not mean exercising dominance over nature. Instead, it calls for humility, respect, and building a right relationship with creation. He also reflected on his recent trip to Norway, where the natural beauty moved him deeply. “God created all things out of love, and out of love He created us. Therefore, we must treat all things around us with love,” he said, inviting the faithful to take personal responsibility in inspiring others to cherish creation, so as to leave a beautiful home and future of hope for the next generation.
Carol Chan Ka-lun, staff member of the Commission, expressed joy at the positive response to the event. She noted that this year marks the 10th anniversary of Pope Francis’ encyclical Laudato Si’. To celebrate, the Commission has launched a series of initiatives, including an Eco-Ambassador Training Program featuring book clubs, outdoor retreats, and internships. These aim to deepen participants’ understanding of the encyclical and raise ecological awareness, equipping them to bring its message into parish life and daily practice. Additional experiential activities will take place in October, such as praying the Rosary and walking barefoot, to foster a deeper connection with creation.
Stephen So Tin-po, a member of the SAY Environmental Group at St. Andrew’s Church, said Cardinal Chow’s words encouraged him to reflect more deeply on the link between faith and ecological responsibility. Founded last year, the group has already organized activities such as waste recycling, which received strong support from parishioners and helped raise awareness. Looking ahead, the group plans to host a carnival in October with booth games and interactive “photo spots” for social media, aiming to further promote the spirit of Laudato Si’ and spread the message of caring for nature.
Source: Kung Kao Pao
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