Outdoor Worship: Celebrating closing of Laudato Si' Week

Creation Justice Ministry (CJM), in collaboration with the Biblical Ministry, Commission of Contemplative Living and the Prayer Ministry, organized a meaningful outdoor worship service on 31st May in celebration of Laudato Si' Week.

The event saw a big turnout, with parishioners joining us from various churches, including St. John’s and SFX. Many expressed gratitude and enthusiasm, with several requesting that similar event be held in the future.

The worship began at SFA Calvary Hill with breathing exercise led by Fr. Paul, followed by praise and worship, prayer and meditation. We then proceeded to the first Station of the Cross, located at the entrance of the church, where we celebrated the outdoor Mass together.

This gathering was more than just an event, it was an invitation to encounter the presence of God in nature and to deepen our appreciation for the beauty of His creation. Through this shared experience, we hope to be continually inspired towards ecological conversion and to renew our commitment to care of our common home.

The sunrise at SFA Calvary Hill was breath-taking, truly a moment of grace. Unfortunately due to time constraints we were unable to embrace the rising sun. But this remains a powerful reminder of the sacredness of the moment. As Psalm 113:3 beautifully proclaims, “From the rising of the sun to its setting, the name of the Lord is to be praised.”

#sfacreationjustice

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Attached is Fr Paul’s homily on God’s presence in Creation and seeing sacredness outside the church walls.

𝐆𝐨𝐝’𝐬 𝐏𝐫𝐞𝐬𝐞𝐧𝐜𝐞 𝐢𝐧 𝐂𝐫𝐞𝐚𝐭𝐢𝐨𝐧

Sisters and Brothers, this morning, we gather not within the familiar walls of our church, but outside – beneath the sky. Earlier we were at the Calvary hill, and now in front of the Church and our Lady’s grotto. And we do this not just for a change of scene, but as a sacred reminder: God is present not only in the tabernacles, but in all of creation.

In the very first page of the Bible, we hear: “In the beginning, God created the heavens and the earth… and God saw all that He had made, and it was very good.” (Gn 1)

Creation is the first Bible – the first revelation of God’s beauty, power, and presence. Before any words were written, before churches were built, God was already speaking to humanity through the sun and stars, the rivers and mountains, the birds of the air and the lilies of the field.

That is why Psalm 19 declares, “The heavens proclaim the glory of God; the firmament shows forth the work of His hands.”

And this morning, surrounded by the very works of His hands, we are invited to rediscover the sacredness of creation, to open our hearts not only to the presence of God in nature, but also to our responsibility for nature.

Mary and Creation: Here we are, gathered at the grotto of our Mother Mary – Our Lady, the humble woman of Nazareth. Today our Church celebrates the Feast of the Visitation of the Blessed Virgin Mary. Mary shows us how to live in harmony with creation. She listened deeply to the voice of God. She lived simply, attentively, with reverence for the mystery of life. She carried the Creator in her womb. How could she not be close to creation?

Pope Francis, in Laudato Si calls her, “the Queen of all creation”, and says, “She now cares with maternal affection and pain for this wounded world” (LS 241)

So as we sit here with her, under the sky and among plants, flowers, and trees, we are reminded that care for creation is not optional – it is part of our Christian vocation. It is a work of justice. A way of love.

Seeing the Sacred Outside the Church Walls: Many people think of “church” as only what happens inside a building. But this Eucharist today – offered here under the open sky – reminds us that the earth itself is a living sanctuary.

Every flower is a chalice of God’s beauty. Every tree a silent hymn of praise. Every bird’s song a kind of Alleluia.

The same Spirit that hovered over the waters at creation is still moving today, inviting us to see with new eyes. As St Francis prayed: “Praised be You, my Lord, through Sister Earth, our Mother, who sustains and governs us.”

So let this Eucharist, here in the arms of creation, awaken in us a deeper gratitude and responsibility. As we receive Jesus in the Bread of Life, let us also receive creation as gift, and respond with reverence and care.

May we become a people who not only worship inside the church, but who recognize the world as sacred, and live as faithful stewards of our common home.

With Mary, Queen of Creation, may we glorify God by our life of the 8 Habits, and by caring for His beautiful world.

Amen.