Manila Archbishop Gaudencio Cardinal Rosales together with other prelates will lead the nation in praying the rosary Saturday evening of March 27, in observance of Earth Hour. In a message released in time for the global observance of the event, the Cardinal urged the faithful to care for the environment, and observe an alternative lifestyle that would preserve the earth’s resources in view of future generations. Failure of today’s people to care for the earth’s resources is akin to stealing the future of the coming generations, the cardinal said. The recitation of the rosary will be aired live at Radio Veritas, the archdiocese’s radio station, from 8:30 to 9:30 p.m. Cubao Bishop Honesto Ongtioco will lead the 1st Sorrowful Mystery from 8:30-8:36 p.m. followed by a reflection from Cardinal Rosales. The 2nd mystery will be led by Lipa Archbishop Ramon Arguelles at 8:43-8:48. Imus Bishop Luis Antonio Tagle will give the reflection. Antipolo auxiliary Bishop Francisco de Leon will lead the 3rd Mystery from 9:16-9:21, followed by a reflection from Novaliches Bishop Emeritus Teodoro Bacani. The 4th mystery will be led by Malolos Bishop Jose Oliveros at 9:05-9:10 p.m. The reflection will be given by Puerto Princesa Bishop Pedro Arigo. At 9:16-9:21 p.m. Kalookan Bishop Deogracias Iniguez will lead the 5th mystery. Batanes Bishop Camilo Gregorio provides the reflection.

Meanwhile, in another Earth Hour message, Tagbilaran Bishop Leonardo Medroso lamented people’s current lifestyle, saying that “our way of living make us hostile to our environment.”

“Our mother earth has been suffering and writhing with pain due to our folly we have inflicted on Earth. Due to our greed or perhaps due to our disregard, we have stripped her bare of the forest cover, cutting down trees with abandon,” he said.

The bishop called on the people to act decisively, by changing one’s lifestyle, before it is too late.

Earth Hour is a global initiative begun in 2007 by World Wildlife Fund (WWF) as a concrete action against global warming. For one hour, individuals, businesses, governments and communities are enjoined to turn off lights to show their support for action on climate change. (CBCPNews)