Bishop Allwyn D’Silva Calls for Ecological Conversion at Mount Mary Feast

Bishop Allwyn D’Silva, Auxiliary Bishop Emeritus of Bombay and chairperson of the CCBI Commission for Ecology, called on Christians to embrace “ecological conversion” and make care for creation an active part of their faith. He made the appeal while presiding over the Eucharistic celebration at the Basilica of Our Lady of the Mount in Bandra, Mumbai, on September 20, during the Octave Feast of Our Lady of the Mount. The celebration also coincided with Care for Creation Sunday. In his homily, Bishop D’Silva said that caring for creation is an important expression of Christian faith. He connected devotion to Mary with responsibility toward the natural world and encouraged the faithful to move beyond prayer by taking practical steps to address environmental concerns. The bishop referred to the “triple planetary crisis” of climate change, biodiversity loss and pollution. He acknowledged the anxiety and discouragement that environmental degradation can cause but encouraged Christians to respond with hope grounded in the Christian message of resurrection. He emphasised that such hope should be expressed through concrete actions including prayer, preaching, service and solidarity. Bishop D’Silva also highlighted the annual Season of Creation, observed from September 1 to October 4 by Christians from different traditions. The season begins with the World Day of Prayer for the Care of Creation and concludes with the feast of St Francis of Assisi. He said ecological responsibility should not be viewed only as a social concern but as an essential part of Christian discipleship. The bishop also referred to the theological concept of “sin against creation and the Creator,” noting that environmental destruction affects humanity’s relationship with God, with other people—especially the poor and vulnerable—and with creation. He explained that pollution and environmental damage can harm both the natural world and communities that depend upon it. The Eucharistic celebration included a special focus on creation. Bishop D’Silva described the liturgy as an opportunity to celebrate God as Creator, appreciate creation as a sacred gift and renew the commitment to protect it. Bishop D’Silva, whose episcopal motto is “Care for Creation,” also serves as chairperson of the Office for Human Development of the Federation of Asian Bishops’ Conferences. The celebration brought together thousands of pilgrims at the Bandra Basilica. Through his message, Bishop D’Silva encouraged them to make ecological responsibility part of their personal lifestyles and community life.