Catholic communities on Sibuyan Island in Romblon province, central Philippines, will hold two days of prayer and solidarity for the environment ahead of the World Day of Prayer for the Care of Creation, observed annually on September 1.
The activities on August 21–22 will bring together Catholics from across Sibuyan for prayer and a peaceful expression of concern for the island’s forests, farms, seas and future generations.
An Ecological and Solidarity Mass will be celebrated August 21 at 4 p.m., organized by the St. Vincent Ferrer Parish Multi-Purpose Cooperative. Priests from Tablas and Sibuyan are expected to participate.
Organizers said the gathering will offer communities an opportunity to pray for the protection of Sibuyan’s environment and express solidarity with people working to defend the island’s natural resources.
The following day, the Vicariate of Santa Barbara will hold a prayer caravan across Sibuyan, beginning at the Parish of Sto. Niño in Danao, Cajidiocan, at 7:30 a.m.
The caravan will travel toward San Fernando, stopping at the Parish of Our Lady of Candles in Azagra before reaching the Diocesan Shrine and Parish of Our Lady of the Immaculate Conception in Poblacion, where participants will gather for communal prayer at 8 a.m.
The group will then proceed to the Barikada ng Mamamayan ng Sibuyan in Sitio Bato, at the Parish of Our Lady of Remedies. A Mass will be celebrated there at 9:30 a.m. by priests from the Vicariate of Santa Barbara.
The caravan will continue to the Parish of Our Lady of the Most Holy Rosary in Magdiwang before proceeding around the island.
Organizers described the activities as a “prayer for life,” “prayer for the environment,” and “prayer for Sibuyan,” and called on residents to remain united in protecting the island’s land, forests and seas.
The initiative comes as the Catholic Church prepares for the annual Season of Creation, which begins September 1 and runs through October 4, the feast of St. Francis of Assisi. The period invites Christians and communities of different faiths to pray, reflect and act for the protection of creation.
Sibuyan, known for its rich forests and marine ecosystems, has been the focus of environmental concerns and community efforts to protect its natural resources.
The Catholic initiative highlights the Church’s growing emphasis on integral ecology, linking care for the environment with concern for communities, livelihoods and future generations.
Organizers encouraged participants to coordinate with their respective parishes for assembly points and other arrangements for the caravan.
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