On September 1, 2026, the Catholic community of St. Maria Goretti Church, Taungyargone Parish in Pathein Diocese gathered at dawn to commemorate the World Day of Prayer for the Care of Creation. The 7:00 a.m. Holy Mass marked the beginning of a day dedicated not only to prayer but to concrete environmental action, as the faithful planted trees and renewed their commitment to protecting God’s creation.

Holy Mass Presided by Bishop Henry Eikhlein

The solemn Eucharistic celebration was presided over by Bishop Henry Eikhlein of Pathein Catholic Diocese, with Msgr. Pius Win Than, Parish Priest Fr. Peter Saw Ngwe, and Fr. Jeremine concelebrating. Brothers, sisters, catechists, and the faithful gathered in prayerful communion, joining the global Catholic community in heeding Pope Francis’s call to care for our common home.

Homily: From Tragedy to Action

In his homily, Bishop Henry Eikhlein drew attention to the devastating consequences of climate change, citing the recent glacial collapse in Nepal that claimed many lives and caused significant destruction.

“Such disasters are among the consequences of global warming and climate change. Let us all pray for the souls of those who lost their lives in this tragedy,” Bishop Henry said.

He announced that Taungyargone Parish had been selected as the site for tree-planting activities to develop it as a model location for environmental conservation.

“Planting a tree is not simply about planting a tree. It is also an act of valuing and caring for the earth created by God, while planting a seed of hope for future generations,” he emphasized.

Reflecting on the day’s Gospel, where Jesus Christ calmed the wind and the waves, Bishop Henry reminded the congregation that just as Christ has the power to calm storms, He also guides us to face and overcome life’s difficulties together. He noted that the Popes have continuously encouraged the faithful to love, protect, and care for the natural environment.

“Let us begin from where we are today and work together to build a better future. Through planting trees, protecting the environment, and using natural resources responsibly, let us become faithful stewards of the earth created by God,” Bishop Henry urged. “A tree planted today can provide shade, clean air, and hope for tomorrow.”

Pope Leo XIV’s Message: Choosing Peace Over Destruction

Before the Holy Mass began, Msgr. Pius Win Than read the 2026 Message of Pope Leo XIV for the World Day of Prayer for the Care of Creation. The Holy Father’s message emphasized the importance of choosing peace over destruction, rebuilding rather than destroying, and caring for the natural environment.

Msgr. Pius shared that planting a tree is not only a practical action for protecting the environment but also a way of planting hope for the future. He conveyed the Pope’s call: “Let us love Creation. Let us care for nature. Let us nurture peace and hope together.”

Tree Blessing and Planting Ceremony

Following the Holy Mass, Bishop Henry Eikhlein blessed the trees that would be planted. Together with the Bishop, the priests, sisters, and faithful participated in planting the trees as a concrete expression of their commitment to caring for God’s Creation.

The celebration concluded with a renewed sense of purpose and hope—a reminder that faith and action must go hand in hand in addressing the ecological crisis facing our world.

The World Day of Prayer for the Care of Creation was established by Pope Francis in 2015 and is celebrated annually on September 1, calling Christians worldwide to pray and act for the protection of our common home.

By RVA Pwo Karen Service