(Baclaran, Philippines) The National Shrine of our Mother of Perpetual Help is one with the world’s commitment to a clean planet and its fight against climate change. Spearheaded by the Justice, Peace and Integrity of Creations Team, the shrine community joined the worldwide Earth Hour event to foster commitment through a symbolic turning off of non-essential lights last March 26, 2022. Different youth organizations in the shrine, including the Redemptorist Youth Mission, Redemptorist Educational Assistance Program, Altar Servers, and the Skills training Program of the Social Mission Apostolate were present on a night of songs, reflections and awareness on the role of the youth in our fight against climate change. The turning off of lights from 8:30 pm to 9:30 pm became a symbolic entry to the reflection on how life can be in the dark. Liwanag sa Dilim (Light in the Darkness) as our local theme became imagery of how the youth can become a steward of the environment.
The theme for this year’s Earth Hour is “Shape Our Future,” which gives emphasis on how we can preserve the environment for future generations. We owe it to these young ones to save our common home. This became an opportunity for the shrine to educate our youth on how they can become advocates against climate change and how they become bearers of light towards awareness and care for nature. The collective efforts of the young generation can become a formidable force in attaining this commitment.
Bro. Roel Gutierrez, C.Ss.R.
