Renewal of vows for couples
The Cebu Archdiocesan Commission on Environmental Concern (CACEC), the coordinating and implementing arm for all environment programs and initiatives of the Archdiocese of Cebu, will celebrate Environment Month in June with a Mass for the Environment and Renewal of Vows of 20-30 couples.
The mass will be celebrated at the Cebu Archdiocesan Shrine of the Sacred Heart of Jesus (Sacred Heart Parish Church), with Archbishop of Cebu Jose S. Palma officiating and auxiliary bishops Dennis C. Villarojo and Oscar Florencio concelebrating, on June 20.
A special renewal of vows of 20-30 couples will be held, after which the couples will plant trees as symbol of their commitment to each other and of the environment. Dubbed as “Eterni-Tree”, each pair will plant a native tree at the neighboring grounds of the Archbishop’s compound.
“The Laudato Si does not only enjoin Catholics to become responsible stewards of the environment but to also love one another as He has loved us. And what better way to manifest this love than with the love of husband and wife?” said Fr. Murphy P. Sarsonas, head of CACEC.
Reception will follow at the Sacred Heart Center. It will also include a brief recognition program for CACEC partners.
Interested couples may sign up at the Sacred Heart Parish Church office on or before June 11. They will also be asked to donate Php 3,500.
The donation will cover cost of the liturgy and reception logistics, lunch for two during the reception, and framed Certificate of Blessing signed by the Archbishop Palma.
Remaining amount from the donations collected will be used to fund the environmental programs and initiatives of the Archdiocese of Cebu.
CACEC was formed last June 2017 as a response to Pope Francis’ call to care for our common home through his second encyclical, Laudato Si. The commission began as the Committee on Environmental Concern under the 51st International Eucharistic Congress held last January 2016.