Bishop urges postponement of this year's Earth Day

A Catholic bishop sought the postponement of this year's Earth Day, which he noted coincides with the Catholic commemoration of Good Friday. As far as the Catholic Church is concerned, Manila Auxiliary Bishop Broderick Pabillo said priority will be given to commemorating Christ's passion and death on April 22, Good Friday and also Earth Day. “The Church is busy during Holy Week and its observance is more important," Pabillo, who chairs the Catholic Bishops’ Conference of the Philippines social action secretariat, said in an article posted on the Union of Catholic Asian News website. He said Earth Day cannot be celebrated on April 22, Good Friday, at least by Filipino Catholics. Pabillo said Good Friday is a “holy day" for Catholics, and suggested that it be moved to another date because most people are reflecting and doing sacrifices on Good Friday. Meanwhile, an environmentalist group announced the holding of Earth Day activities a week ahead in deference to the observance of Good Friday. Kalikasan People’s Network for the Environment said a series of Earth Day activities such as seminars, parades and contests will be held starting Wednesday. On April 26, the group proposes to mark a “Global Day of Action" against nuclear reactors and power plants. – VVP, GMA News