Bishop Allwyn D’Silva Calls for Ecological Conversion at Mount Mary Feast

Mumbai, September 20, 2026: Bishop Allwyn D’Silva has called on Christians to embrace “ecological conversion” and translate their concern for the environment into concrete action, saying care for creation is an integral part of Christian faith.

Bishop D’Silva, Auxiliary Bishop Emeritus of Bombay and chairperson of the CCBI Commission for Ecology, made the appeal while presiding over the Eucharist at the Basilica of Our Lady of the Mount, Bandra, during the Octave Feast of Our Lady of the Mount on September 20. The celebration coincided with Care for Creation Sunday.

“Care for Creation is not an optional extra or a secondary aspect of the Christian experience; it is a core expression of our faith,” Bishop D’Silva said in his homily.

Linking Marian devotion with environmental responsibility, he said devotion to Mary should inspire Christians to care for the world entrusted to humanity. He urged the faithful to move beyond prayer to practical responses to environmental challenges.

Referring to the “triple planetary crisis” of climate change, biodiversity loss and pollution, Bishop D’Silva acknowledged the growing sense of despair and eco-anxiety associated with environmental degradation. He called for a response rooted in hope and expressed through concrete action.

“As people of faith, we are called to lift the hope inspired by our faith, the hope of the resurrection. This is not a hope without action, but one embodied in concrete actions of prayer, preaching, service, and solidarity,” he said.

Bishop D’Silva also referred to the annual Season of Creation, observed from September 1 to October 4 by Christians across different traditions. The period begins with the World Day of Prayer for the Care of Creation and concludes with the feast of St Francis of Assisi, widely associated with care for creation.

He said environmental responsibility should be understood not merely as a social obligation but as an essential dimension of Christian discipleship.

‘Sin against creation’

The bishop's homily also reflected recent theological discussions on environmental responsibility, including the International Theological Commission's document Caring for Our Common Home: A Responsible and Fraternal Response to the Triune God, which develops the idea of “sin against creation and the Creator” in the context of the Church's environmental teaching.

According to Bishop D’Silva, environmental degradation damages three fundamental relationships: humanity's relationship with God, with other people—particularly the poor and vulnerable—and with creation itself.

“When we degrade nature and pollute our environment through short-sightedness and greed, we not only mistreat creation, but we also turn away from God's plan and hurt our neighbors,” he said.

The Eucharistic celebration incorporated a special focus on creation, with Bishop D’Silva describing the liturgy as an opportunity to deepen the connection between Christian worship and everyday choices.

“The Eucharistic celebration of Creation Day is an opportunity to celebrate God as Creator and renew our appreciation of the sacred gift of creation, while inspiring us to care for it more fervently,” he said.

Bishop D’Silva, whose episcopal motto is “Care for Creation,” also serves as chairperson of the Office for Human Development of the Federation of Asian Bishops' Conferences.

The Season of Creation, observed annually from September 1 to October 4, brings together Christians from different traditions in prayer and action for the protection of the environment. In his homily, Bishop D’Silva urged the faithful gathered for the Mount Mary feast to make ecological responsibility part of their personal lifestyles and community life.

The appeal came as thousands of pilgrims gathered at the Bandra Basilica for the annual feast, placing the themes of Marian devotion, Christian responsibility and care for the environment within the same celebration.

By Catholic Connect Reporter