World Oceans Day is a global celebration and a call to action to protect the health and beauty of our oceans. As Catholics, this day provides a special opportunity to reflect on our responsibility as stewards of God’s creation and to consider how our faith calls us to care for the vast and wondrous bodies of water that cover our planet.
The Bible frequently references the sea, portraying it as both a symbol of God’s power and a source of life and sustenance. In Genesis, the creation story highlights the significance of water as God gathers the seas and brings forth life from the waters (Genesis 1:9-10, 20-21). The psalms also praise God’s majesty and control over the oceans, as seen in Psalm 104:24-25: “How many are your works, Lord! In wisdom you made them all; the earth is full of your creatures. There is the sea, vast and spacious, teeming with creatures beyond number – living things both large and small.”
In his encyclical Laudato Si’, Pope Francis emphasises the importance of caring for our common home, including the oceans. He writes, “The oceans not only contain the bulk of our planet’s water supply, but also most of the immense variety of living creatures, many of which are threatened for various reasons” (Laudato Si’, 40). The Pope calls us to an ecological conversion, recognising the interconnectedness of all creation and our duty to protect it.
Oceans are critical to the health of our planet. They regulate the climate, produce oxygen, and provide food and livelihoods for millions of people. Oceans are also home to an incredible diversity of life, from the smallest planktoon to the largest whales. However, they face numerous threats, including pollution, overfishing, climate change and habitat destruction.
World Oceans Day is a time to celebrate the beauty and importance of the oceans and to commit ourselves to their protection. As Catholics, we are called to be stewards of creation, caring for the Earth and all its inhabitants. By taking action to reduce pollution, support sustainable practices and advocate for policies that protect oceans, we honour God’s creation and fulfil our role as caretakers of our common home.
Let us embrace this day as an opportunity to deepen our commitment to environmental stewardship, inspired by our faith and the teachings of the Church. May our efforts to protect the oceans reflect the love and respect we have for all of God’s creation.
