Malaysia Parish Links Season of Creation with Migrant Solidarity and Practical Ecology

A Catholic parish in Bukit Peninjau, in the Malaysian state of Sarawak on the island of Borneo, held a two-day program linking care for creation with solidarity with migrants and refugees.

The Parish of Gereja Indai Maria organized the program on September 26 and 27 as part of its observance of Laudato Si’, the Season of Creation and Regenerate Year 2.

The activities combined reflection and learning with practical environmental action, including a composting demonstration.

The program began on Saturday, September 26, with a full-day Laudato Si’ program from 7 a.m. to 8 p.m. Mr. William Gan and his team led the activities, which brought parishioners together for reflection, learning and sharing on the Church’s call to care for creation.

The following morning, September 27, the parish launched its Season of Creation and Regenerate Year 2 celebrations during the 9 a.m. Holy Mass celebrated by Fr. Peter Hwang.

The Sunday gathering also included a focus on migrants and refugees, giving the parish community an opportunity to express solidarity with people living away from their places of origin in search of safety, dignity and better opportunities.

The parish linked this concern with the message of Laudato Si’, emphasizing that care for the environment is also connected with care for people, particularly those who are vulnerable or displaced.

After the Mass, at about 10:30 a.m., Mr. Matthew and his team facilitated a composting demonstration.

The session introduced parishioners to a practical way of managing organic waste and encouraged them to consider how everyday activities can contribute to environmental care.

The demonstration also connected the parish’s environmental efforts with the broader vision of Laudato Si’, which calls for greater awareness of the relationship between people, creation and the shared responsibility to care for the common home.

For the parish community, the two-day program moved from reflection to action, beginning with discussions on ecological responsibility, continuing with Eucharistic celebration and solidarity with migrants and refugees, and ending with a practical activity focused on waste management.

The activities reflected the parish’s effort to make care for creation part of everyday Christian life rather than limiting it to special celebrations.

The Season of Creation, observed annually by Christians from September 1 to October 4, provides an opportunity for communities to reflect on their relationship with God, one another and creation.

At Gereja Indai Maria, the observance brought these concerns together in a single parish program: environmental responsibility, faith, community participation and concern for people living on the margins.

The parish encouraged participants to carry the lessons of the weekend into their homes, neighborhood and wider community, particularly through practical steps to reduce waste and protect the environment.

The program also highlighted the connection between ecological concerns and human dignity. For the parish, caring for the common home includes both protecting the environment and standing in solidarity with people whose circumstances leave them vulnerable or displaced.

Through its Laudato Si’ activities, Season of Creation observance and composting initiative, the parish sought to turn reflection into concrete action while strengthening its commitment to both creation and people in need.