Dear Holy Trinity Family,

April 22 is Earth Day. We need to take care of the earth, our home. From April 1 to April 10, Artemis II, for lunar space mission, was launched and returned to the earth. While the astronauts were out there in the space, they have captured thousands of photos and sent images of the Earth, the Moon, and life inside the Orion spacecraft to Earth during their 10-day scheduled mission. Regardless the possibility of other living form on other planets in the universe, the Earth has become our home. That is why the Artemis II crew repeatedly referred to Earth as “home” and place they “choose” while traveling further than any human in over 50 years.

The Earth is our home that God created for us and put our hands to take care what He created. This is the reason why we need to take care of the Earth. What is then Earth Day? From the internet search engine, it says “Earth Day, celebrated annually on April 22, is the world’s largest, non-secular environmental movement aimed at protecting the planet from pollution, climate change, and deforestation. The 2026 theme is “Our Power, Our Planet,” focusing on individual and community actions to drive environmental progress. The movement aims to build a sustainable, heathy environment, address climate change, and promote green, sustainable practices. It began in 1970 as a way to force environmental issues into the national political agenda. Over 1 billion people in more than 140 countries participate in activities like planting trees, marching, and participating in educational workshops.”

What is the Catholic Church’s position on this movement and/or the Earth? “The Catholic Church views Earth Day as an opportunity to reinforce stewardship of creation, emphasizing environmental responsibility as a fundamental moral duty. Grounded in Pope Francis’s Laudato Si’, the Church advocates for protecting nature as a “common home”, linking environmental care to social justice and the protection of the vulnerable.” To read the full version of Laudato Si’, please go to www.vatican.va and click the tap of Francis on the Supreme Pontiffs, and then click to Encyclicals.

So, if taking care of the Earth is all about stewardship of creation, we must not forget that humans are part of God’s creation as well. Moreover, we must see that our Heavenly Father loves all of us who are created in His image. I am sure; by loving our neighbors, we are to become caregivers of God’s creation, the best one! Let us love one another.

Blessings,

Fr. Brian