Prexy speaks in CBCP retreat
Date Posted: July 10, 2024 at 02:50 PM
Adamson President Fr. Daniel Franklin Pilario, CM, was one of the speakers at the Catholic Bishops' Conference of the Philippines (CBCP) retreat, held from July 2 to 4 at the Transfiguration Abbey, run by the Benedictine Monks in Malaybalay City, Bukidnon.
The retreat, themed "Synod Spirituality: Embracing Ecology in the Light of Laudato Si and Laudate Deum," also featured Archbishop Paul Gallagher, the Vatican’s Secretary for Relations with States, and Fr. Pilario’s fellow theologian Fr. Reynaldo Raluto, who also serves as the Diocese of Malaybalay’s Integral Ecology Ministry chairman.
In his address, Fr. Pilario delivered an impactful message that emphasized the urgency of ecological issues within the framework of synodality.
“Synodality is not just about communion among ourselves; it is about listening to the cry of the earth,” Pilario stated, highlighting the alarming environmental challenges facing the Philippines, such as air and plastic pollution, marine pollution, and rising sea levels, which threaten to submerge many cities by 2050.
In his speech, the former Saint Vincent School of Theology Dean also commented on the apparent lack of attention given to ecological theologies in church discourses.
“The CBCP Report to the Synod mentions 'common home' three times but also acknowledges the church’s inattention to the environment, indicating a lack of understanding of the plight of indigenous peoples and their needs,” he stressed, adding the need for the church to include the environment and creation in pastoral plans, theologies, and liturgies.
Fr. Pilario underscored the critical situation in the Philippines, citing recent environmental events such as mining activities, oil spills, and reclamation projects that have displaced indigenous people, farmers, fisherfolk, and millions of poor individuals. “Why the deafening silence? How can we not listen? Why are we not protesting?” he questioned.
Reflecting on the historical significance of CBCP’s 1988 pastoral letter on ecology, Fr. Pilario, known for his endeavors promoting social justice, urged for renewed urgency and action.
“There is an urgency about this issue which calls for widespread education and immediate action. We are convinced that the challenge we highlight here is similar to what Moses put before the people of Israel: ‘Today, I offer you the choice of life or death, blessing or curse. Choose life, and then your descendants will live."
After the retreat, the CBCP, composed of more than 80 bishops, proceeded to its 128th plenary assembly on July 6 to 8, which included electing new chairmen for its numerous commissions.
