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Information reaching the executive office of RECOWACERAO NEWS AGENCY, RECONA indicates that the Catholic Bishops in Africa have recently Called for Collaboration in Bringing “Season of Creation” to Life. The Justice, Peace, and Development Commission (JPDC) of the Symposium of Episcopal Conferences of Africa and Madagascar (SECAM) has called for synergy in efforts to bring “the Season of Creation to life.”

In a Tuesday, September 24 statement, the peace and justice entity of the Catholic Bishops in Africa refers to the Season of Creation that begins annually on September 1 with the World Day of Prayer for Creation and concludes on October 4, the Feast of St. Francis of Assisi.

The JPDC also refers to Pope Francis’ Encyclical Laudato Si, which they say outlines “the challenges facing our common home” that demand from the people of God “a profound commitment to ecological conversion.”

“We recognize the influence and strength of the Church in Africa. For this reason, we deeply wish to count on your collaboration to bring the Season of Creation to life on our continent,” SECAM-JPDC says in the statement.

Since 2015, Pope Francis has called for participation in the Season of Creation, which is described as an opportunity “to renew our relationship with our Creator and all of His creation,” SECAM-JPDC says. This year’s theme for the Season of Creation is “To Hope and Act with Creation.”

The theme that reflects the call for responsible stewardship of the environment, with the motto “The First Fruits of Hope” is drawn from St. Paul’s letter to the Romans.

In the September 24 press release, SECAM-JPDC reflects on the theme and encourages the people of God on the world’s second-largest continent to engage in prayer, reflection, and action.

“Through prayer, reflection, and concrete actions, we can strengthen a culture of respect, solidarity, and sustainability in harmonious coexistence with Mother Earth,” the officials of the SECAM entity say.

To foster collaboration in realizing the season of creation in Africa, SECAM-JPDC suggests several actions, including the publication of an invitation from Episcopal Conferences introducing the 2024 Season of Creation, its theme, and its resources.

The officials also recommend that videos be shared on social media and Catholic media platforms, giving visibility to the events Episcopal Conferences organize on the care for creation.

In the statement that Deputy Secretary General of SECAM, Fr. Jean Germain Rajoelison, signed, the officials of the Justice and Peace Commission of SECAM  express optimism that the suggested actions will contribute to safeguarding God’s creation.

“We hope that these suggested actions contribute to your mission,” the SECAM entity says acknowledging with appreciation the support of Episcopal Conferences in various local Churches, for their collaboration with the Laudato Si Movement and other organizations working for integral ecology.

“We pray that all our efforts will help us become stronger pilgrims of Hope,” SECAM-JPDC says.

Rev. Fr. George Nwachukwu
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