A Catholic archbishop exhorted the faithful to live out “Laudato Si” with three P’s: plant, protect and promote.

Speaking during Mass to close the Laudato Si Week celebration on Monday, Archbishop Rolando Tria Tirona of Caceres said the encyclical must be translated into effective action.

“It must be proclaimed as well, something that bears fruit to others and to our lives,” Tirona said in his homily at the Holy Rosary Preparatory Seminary in San Jose, Camarines Sur.

Offering some more concrete ways, the former national director of Caritas Philippines encouraged the faithful to develop the habit of planting trees.

“You have to personally plant. Ask yourself, have you ever planted a seed or have you ever planted something?” he said.

The archbishop also called on the public to make efforts to “protect” the environment.

According to him, to protect nature includes “protesting” against any moves that would “destroy and abuse mother nature”.

“We are not masters of creation. We are just stewards,” Tirona added.

Also equally important, according to him, is for people to “promote” the teachings of Laudato Si.

Echoing the encyclical, he emphasized the sense of responsibility on the part of all for the common good.

“Let us listen to the cry of mother nature. Let us proclaim the goodness of God and thank him for the gift of mother nature,” he also said.

The archdiocese’s Laudato Si Week celebration included tree planting activities and symposium on the landmark document.