Bicol prelate hits mining in Christmas message

A Bicol-based Catholic bishop lamented on Christmas Day what he called the “systematic abuse of nature" by some people engaged in mining. Sorsogon Bishop Arturo Bastes said mining has already “irreversibly" destroyed nature, even as he called on the faithful to be converted to Christ again. “Mining has irreversibly destroyed mountains with toxic substances from acid mine drainage," he said in his Christmas message, excerpts of which were posted Saturday on the Catholic Bishops’ Conference of the Philippines news site. He lamented the “systematic abuse of nature, Mother Earth and environment due to greed," and that the destruction is already manifesting itself in climate change and unpredictable weather patterns. The prelate also lamented faith among Catholics is waning as people no longer think of what is beyond the present life. Due to this myopic vision, he said people have become witnesses to violence that begets more violence, fostering hatred among peoples. On the other hand, he took a dig at the reproductive health (RH) bill, which he said is a “disguise" for the culture of death and immorality as it wipes out the family. Last October, Bastes pushed for the cancellation of a mining project in Matnog town in Sorsogon province, citing its potential threat to residents’ lives. “Irresponsible mining destroys our lives and our community. Be it small-scale or large-scale operation, it is an affront to the integrity of creation," Bastes said. He added Matnog is considered as part of the “Geo-Hazard areas" in Sorsogon province. “Conducting mining in such areas will further endanger the community and their livelihood," Bastes said. In his Christmas message, Bastes said his wish for his flock is to get converted to Christ again and put Him at the center of their lives. He said it is only in following Jesus faithfully that “we attain true salvation, which is freedom from our sins and weaknesses, the strength to live upright lives, and the pledge of eternal glory and bliss." Bastes said sin and darkness is caused by “human disobedience to God, the laws of nature and loss of respect and love for fellow human regardless of color, creed and culture." “The remedy is complete submission to God’s will, obedience to His laws, the law of nature and respect and love for all fellow human beings," he said. Bastes also said everyone needs Christ again “to do away with these pagan beliefs" as St. Paul described in his letter to the Romans. He said the faithful simply need to look at the examples of the Virgin Mary who completely submitted herself to the will of God. — LBG, GMANews.TV