OMPH Ipoh takes a step towards ecological conversion

Feb 28, 2025

By Monica Dicom
The parish of Our Mother of Perpetual Help (OMPH), which recently signed a pledge to become an ecological parish, co-organised an Ecology Formation event on February 16. It was in collaboration with the Creation Justice Commission (CJC) of Penang.

Magdalene Chiang emphasised the Catholic commitment to environmental care. She drew inspiration from the Book of Genesis and saints like St Francis of Assisi, as well as teachings from Popes ranging from Paul VI to Pope Francis. Magdalene also highlighted Laudato Si’, Pope Francis’ 2015 encyclical on global ecological conversion, and discussed the impacts of industrialisation, farming, deforestation, and livestock on climate change.

Suzerian Francis then addressed the issue of the “throwaway culture.” She referenced Pope Francis’ Laudato Si’ (21), which highlights the escalating waste crisis, including industrial, medical, plastic, and electronic waste. The Earth is increasingly becoming “an immense pile of filth,” damaging landscapes and ecosystems. Mismanaged plastic waste is harming wildlife, while microplastics now found in human bodies pose growing health risks.

During the smaller group discussions, different scenarios were presented on how climate change affects families in different social strata.

Robert Arokiasamy shared his thoughts, saying, “Natural disasters affect everyone, but it is the poor who suffer the most, while the wealthy are able to manage their way through with their resources. The rich are primarily responsible for pollution and greenhouse gas emissions, yet it is the poor who bear the brunt of environmental destruction, losing lives, income, and property. While the wealthy remain largely unaffected, it is the poorer communities that face the harshest impacts of pollution and deforestation. In the end, the Earth suffers due to human activities, and the poor carry the heaviest burden.”

Dr Rosalind Simon noted that climate change impacts families in different ways. While the wealthy continue with their lives, untouched by disaster, the poor — who contribute least to carbon emissions — suffer loss of life and daily disruptions. Many of the poor, however, are conscious of their carbon footprint, striving to live sustainably while caring for their families. These stories highlight how the cries of both the poor and the Earth are often ignored by the rich and powerful.

Other participants also shared their perspectives, emphasising the importance of using and consuming only what we truly need, not what we want. Ultimately, the Earth suffers due to human actions, and the poor bear the heaviest burden. The cries of the Earth and the poor go unheard by those in power, and we, as bystanders, must also take responsibility.

Jeanne J. Saw, a Laudato Si’ Animator of Animators for Asia and advocate for zero waste, who leads the Creation Justice Movement at the Cathedral of the Holy Spirit in Penang, shared a sobering vision of the future impacted by climate change. By 2030, climate change could push 100 million people into poverty, and by 2050, environmental hazards may displace 1 billion people. Over 570 coastal cities could be affected by rising sea levels.

The 60 participants left with an understanding that ecological conversion involves transforming hearts and minds toward a greater love for God, one another, and creation. They were moved by the appeals from the facilitators.

Halina Gooi, leader of the Friends of Creation ministry at the Church of Divine Mercy Penang, guided the group through a spiritual journey of ecological conversion, a grace of the Holy Spirit. “To receive this grace, one must open oneself through prayer and commitment,” she explained. “Recognising the harm done to creation and feeling genuine repentance are crucial steps.” She emphasised that by turning to the Creator, we can seek guidance, forgiveness, and renew our commitment to caring for the Earth and all its inhabitants.

OMPH assistant parish priest Fr Patrick Massang, CSsR, signed the Ecology Pledge, witnessed by all present. He acknowledged the challenge ahead, stating, “It’s a daunting task, and we can’t save the world in a day. But with small steps, we can make a difference that inspires others to change as well.”