UST WILL open its month-long observance of the 2026 “Season of Creation” on Tuesday, Sept. 1, with a Mass to be led by Calapan Bishop Moises Cuevas at the Santísimo Rosario Parish Church.
The University will join Christians worldwide in marking the World Day of Prayer for the Care of Creation, which opens the Season of Creation that will run until Oct. 4, the Feast of St. Francis of Assisi, patron saint of ecology.
Carrying the theme “Immersion in Living Water,” the UST observance will begin with the Holy Rosary at 9:30 a.m., followed by the Mass at 10 a.m. to be presided over by Cuevas.
The observance is organized by the University through the Office of the Vice Rector for Religious Affairs, UST Simbahayan Community Development Office, and UST Center for Campus Ministry, in collaboration with Laudato Si’ Movement Pilipinas and the Dominican Family for Justice, Peace, and Care for Creation–Philippines.
This year’s theme was drawn from the prophet Ezekiel’s vision of life-giving water flowing from the temple and bringing life to the land.
The 2026 symbol, “Immersion in Living Water,” encourages Christians to deepen their commitment to caring for creation and responding to ecological destruction.
The Season of Creation is an annual ecumenical observance that calls on Christians to pray and act for the protection of the environment.
The Orthodox Church began its liturgical observance of the Day of Prayer for Creation in 1989. The World Council of Churches endorsed the celebration in 2002. In 2015, Pope Francis established the World Day of Prayer for the Care of Creation.
Pope Leo XIV’s message
In a message, Pope Leo XIV linked ecological degradation with global conflict, warning of the harm inflicted on creation by environmental destruction and armed struggle.
He called for a conversion of heart leading to greater fidelity to God, love of neighbor, and respect for creation, emphasizing that ecological conversion requires both personal and collective transformation.
Drawing from the prophet Isaiah, the pope invoked the biblical vision of nations beating their “swords into plowshares,” presenting peace and care for creation as parts of the same Christian vocation.
He also urged the faithful to become collaborators in God’s work of renewal, moving “from desert to garden, from division to communion, and from violence to peace.”
Thomasians urged to take action
The University called on Thomasians to give special attention to water during prayers and liturgical celebrations and reflect on its importance as a gift from God and a source of life.
Thomasians were also encouraged to participate in activities with communities most affected by the climate crisis, particularly the poor and vulnerable, and to support efforts to promote sustainable solutions.
The observance encourages members of the Thomasian community to translate prayer into concrete action for the environment and become channels of “living water” for creation and future generations.
Read more about the celebration in the official Season of Creation Celebration Guide. Bruce L. Buenaventura
