From the Desk of the Regional Director

I write this a few days after Easter Sunday. This is the time when we are called to let the joy of Jesus truly enter into our lives and renew us, most especially in hope. And so we need to keep our eyes on Jesus. The Risen Jesus is assuring us that his resurrection is a trustworthy sign that God is renewing all of creation in its beauty and goodness. St Paul speaks of creation 'groaning' even as it waits in hope to be renewed and come fully alive as the Risen Jesus is alive.

It is sad then when we see how many people, instead of joyfully cooperating with God in His desire to make all of creation truly come alive, are in fact destroying it for selfish and immediate financial gain. One instance of this is now happening in Midsalip, Zamboanga del Sur, where some companies are intent on mining in the critical watershed area of Mount Sugarloaf without due regard to the impact that this will have on nature, on the water resources of an area that touches three provinces and on the livelihood of thousands of people.

The area is designated as a conservation area and, as such, should be off limits to all mining activities. This has been ignored and suggests that short-sighted financial gain is more important than the much greater good of the people who live in the three provinces surrounding this mountain. It also insults the Creator who calls us to respect the goodness and beauty of his creation and asks us to live in it wisely and reverently.

The Indigenous People of the area, together with many others, recognise the sacredness of the gift of creation and 'intuit' the meaning of Jesus' resurrection that God is making all things new and have protested this abuse. Far from being listened to, some have been charged with criminal and civil offences for asserting their own rights and courageously opposing the destruction of God's gift that enhances life for all. Several lay people, a diocesan priest, a Columban priest and a Columban Sister, have already been in court many times defending themselves against this injustice. I believe that any honest observer would see that this is pure harassment and designed to silence those who mourn what is happening and continue to protest at the sites where mining is scheduled to begin.

We need to support these people and all who are courageously resisting the destruction of so much of this beautiful country for selfish and short-sighted interests. The Bishops have again called for a moratorium on all mining in the wake of the killer landslides. Let us, too, raise our voices and insist that our politicians listen to their people and not to the mining companies. Those who have listened and support the protection of the environment need our encouragement.

May the Risen Lord fill us with hope and with a new awareness of the gift that creation is. May he move our hearts to work with him in defending creation and building a society that cares for and respects all life.

A blessed Easter!