On August 31st in Ho Chi Minh City, Vietnam, the Season of Creation 2025 officially opened at the Pastoral Center of the Archdiocese of Saigon. The event, organized by the Province of St. Francis of Assisi in Vietnam, was held under the theme “Protecting Creation and Taking Action,” taking place during the Jubilee Year of Hope and commemorating the 10th anniversary of the encyclical Laudato Si’.
The event was attended by many ecclesiastical dignitaries, including Archbishop Joseph Nguyễn Năng of Saigon; Bishop Joseph Trần Văn Toản of Long Xuyên; along with priests, religious men and women, and a large number of the faithful.
An environmental exhibition captured the community’s attention. The exhibit displayed works of art celebrating the beauty of nature, from paintings to sculptures, inspired by St. Francis of Assisi’s “Canticle of Brother Sun.” Additionally, booths from Caritas Đà Lạt, Caritas Phan Thiết, and recycling companies like Upgreen Vietnam and Sao Nam, showcased green solutions, emphasizing the deep connection between humanity and nature.
The highlight of the program was a specialized seminar titled “Protecting Creation and Taking Action”. Speakers engaged in a dialogue, offering diverse perspectives from Franciscan spirituality and ecological theology to practical solutions. These discussions not only awakened a spirit of ecological conversion but also affirmed a shared determination to transform Pope Francis’s appeals into concrete actions.
Archbishop Joseph Nguyễn Năng celebrated a Mass for the protection of the environment. In his homily, Bishop Joseph Trần Văn Toản emphasized, “We need to embark on a journey of ecological conversion, living humbly and respecting the universe as a gift of God's infinite love.”
The program was further enriched with real-life testimonies about river cleanup projects, sustainable garden models, and activities supporting the poor. Musical performances and inspirational videos also reinforced the message of dedication and unity.
The opening of the Season of Creation 2025 was more than just a ceremony; it was a powerful reminder of each individual’s role in safeguarding our planet. The event concluded with a prayer and the hymn Laudato Si’, reaffirming that caring for the Earth is the path to building a just and sustainable future for all.
With the contribution of OFM Vietnam
