by Katya A. Santos
PUERTO PRINCESA CITY - The Most Rev. Archbishop Charles John Brown, Apostolic Nuncio to the Philippines, made a significant visit to Napsan, Puerto Princesa City on Sunday, where he planted an Ipil tree as a symbol of unity with nature.
The tree-planting event was attended by Bishop Socrates Mesiona, Vicar Apostolic of Puerto Princesa, Rev. Fr. Eugene Elivera, the parish priest of San Nicolas de Tolentino Parish in Napsan, and Engr. Danny Tamayo, among other guests. The act was seen as a gesture echoing the sentiments of Pope Francis’s encyclical, “Laudato Si,” which calls for an urgent dialogue about how humans are shaping the future of our planet.
Archbishop Brown also took the opportunity to visit the renowned Underground River in Puerto Princesa. Reflecting on the beauty of the natural wonder, he said, “I think when we see something amazing, like the subterranean river, we see how God’s creation is the expression of the greatest God.”
The Archbishop emphasized the importance of recognizing the beauty in nature, stating, “Whenever we see something beautiful in nature, it makes us realize that nature has a creator and that creator has also created us.” He further stressed the teachings of the Catholic Church about living in harmony with nature.
“As human beings, we live with harmony with nature. The beauty of God’s creation is our common home,” he said. “So for me, as your Apostolic Nuncio, it is so wonderful to be here and see this incredible natural wonder, the subterranean river.”
The visit of the Papal Nuncio and his message of unity with nature resonates with the teachings of Laudato Si, reminding us all of our responsibility to care for our common home.
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