Goa: On the occasion of St. Francis Xavier’s Feast, Bishop Simiao Fernandes delivered a compelling homily calling on the faithful to safeguard the creation entrusted to humanity by God. Speaking on the theme, “Hope does not disappoint us, hence like St. Francis Xavier, let us be pilgrims of hope,” the Bishop reminded congregants that faith and environmental stewardship are intertwined, urging them to be responsible caretakers of the natural world.
Presiding over the solemn Eucharistic celebration, Bishop Simião reflected on the Church’s journey throughout the year, highlighting its engagement with diverse groups prisoners, families, the sick and elderly, migrants, persons with disabilities, and youth affected by abuse. He emphasized that each act of care and hope mirrors God’s love for creation. Quoting St. Paul’s letter to the Romans, he noted, “the whole creation has been groaning together as it suffers,” highlighting humanity’s responsibility to respond.
As Chairman of the CCBI Western Region Commission for Ecology, the Bishop expressed concern that hope for creation is waning. He reminded the faithful that creation is not merely a resource to exploit but a divine gift to be cherished. Observing environmental degradation deforestation, polluted air and water, excavated hills, and mounting waste he lamented that human greed has wounded the beauty of God’s world.
Drawing inspiration from Genesis 1, he reminded the congregation that “after creating, God saw that it was good” and challenged them to reflect on whether the Earth can still be called good in the present day. He reinforced that protecting creation is both a moral obligation and a spiritual duty.
To provide practical guidance, Bishop Simião introduced the acronym CARE as a framework for ecological stewardship:
C – Cherish: Appreciate creation as God’s first revelation, recognizing His goodness in every mountain, river, forest, and living being. Gratitude is the first step in stewardship.
A – Act: Take concrete steps to protect the environment plant trees, conserve water, reduce waste, and adopt sustainable habits to help heal the wounds inflicted on Earth.
R – Respect: Respect all life, especially the vulnerable. Following Pope Francis’ teaching in Laudato Si’, he stressed that everything is interconnected, and respecting creation honors God Himself.
E – Educate and Encourage: Inspire families, schools, and communities to safeguard the environment. A single awakened heart can inspire many, fostering a culture of care for the planet.
Bishop Simião concluded by recalling St. Francis Xavier’s missionary journey to Goa, emphasizing the saint’s respect for nature and care for the marginalized. He portrayed the saint as a model for contemporary ecological action, encouraging the faithful to emulate his commitment to hope, compassion, and protection of the natural world.
The celebration left a resounding message: safeguarding the environment is a sacred duty, and every believer has a role in preserving God’s creation for present and future generations.