“The book is a scintillating symphony of ecological mysticism and human spiritual quest.”

Cardinal Charles Bo

Word of Hope for Groaning Earth is a must-read for everyone, especially for committed Christians. The book draws on a powerful metaphor which I myself call "The Great Chain of Being," echoing St. Francis' Canticle of Creatures. Br. Cris Pine, OFM, offers reflections that make Scripture relevant and responsive to the pressing climate crisis we face today. True to our Franciscan tradition, Br. Cris concludes his reflections with a key message: "There is hope for our groaning Earth because God's love has already penetrated even the seemingly impenetrable - the human heart."

Br. Richard Rohr, OFM

Spiritual Writer and Founder of the Center for Action and Contemplation

Br. Cristino Robles Pine, OFM is a member of the Order of Friars Minor in the Philippine Province of San Pedro Bautista. He obtained his Licentiate in Sacred Scripture at the Pontifical Biblical Institute in Rome, Italy. He also has an M. A. degree in Pastoral Ministry and an M. A. degree in Educational Management. He is now a candidate to a doctoral degree on Sacred Theology – Biblical Theology at the Loyola School of Theology. He is currently teaching Scripture and Biblical Languages at the Inter-Congregational Theological Center, at the CICM Maryhill School of Theology and at the Ecclesiastical Faculty of the University of Santo Tomas. His book titled Living Word on Breathing Earth: Biblical Insights and Reflections on Creation won the 13th Cardinal Sin Catholic Book Award in Spirituality.

This scholarly yet easy-to-read book Word of Hope for Groaning Earth has deepened my understanding of the Canticle of Creatures and its hymnal celebration of creation, while also enriching my appreciation for the timeless wisdom of the Bible. It heightened my awareness of the beauty and fragility of the world, echoing the Canticle's call to reverence and responsibility.

It has inspired me to reflect on how even small daily actions accumulate, shaping a legacy for future generations. This book is both a hymn and a call to action, urging us to pass on the lessons of care and gratitude, preserving God’s creation for those yet to come.

Ms. Diane D. Eustaquio
Bible Lover and Sustainability Advocate

Through his recent book titled Word of Hope for Groaning Earth, Br. Cristino Robles Pine, OFM once again speaks to us with profound biblical insights and ecological sensibility. His experience-based reflections and insights seen in the light of God’s Word are an inspiration to everyone who advocates for the integrity of creation. The book provides a significant approach to explain what the Bible is saying about our sacred duty of caring for our common home. It contains new insights, calling us to respond to the cry of the earth. St. Francis’ Canticle of Creatures is presented in a way the readers can easily understand. The author’s experiences found in this book center on his Franciscan journey with his brothers and with the ordinary people. The message of hope in this book touches our hearts, inspiring us to use wisely God’s gift of freedom. In other words, the message of hope conveyed by this book is also a challenge to act with urgency for the good of the environment.

Ms. Mylene dela Cruz-Saluta
Executive Director
Fellowship for the Care of Creation Association, Inc.

Word of Hope for Groaning Earth continues and even intensifies the message conveyed to us by Living Word on Breathing Earth. The issue of the present climate crisis and other relevant issues affecting us as a people are read in the light of the Scripture. The biblical insights intersperse with the author’s experiences while echoing the message of hope springing from St. Francis’ Canticle of Creatures. Br. Cris Pine, OFM is able to drive his message home to us in a very gentle manner. The book is an inspiring work with a clear Franciscan touch.

Br. Alberto Poblete, OFM Cap.
Director
Franciscan Institute of Asia

Word of Hope for Groaning Earth encourages us to thoughtfully reconsider our relationship with creation in light of the escalating climate and environmental emergencies. Through personal experiences, theological reflection, and biblical insights, Br. Cristino Robles Pine, OFM invites us to reflect on the current struggles and the pressing need to heal our relationship with both the environment and our fellow human beings. Weaving through St. Francis’ spiritual perspective, he emphasizes our kinship with all creatures and accentuates our shared responsibility of caring for creation.

As our planet groans under the weight of ecological degradation and the strain of climate change, the book calls us to respond to both the cry of the earth and the cry of the poor. For members of the Laudato Si’ Movement, this book speaks of our mission of advocating for the voiceless – both people and the natural environment.

More than a reflection, this book is a call to action. It challenges us to be active participants in responding with urgency while we ourselves become the beacons of hope in building a future that safeguards both humanity and our common home.

Ms. Cheryl Dugan
Laudato Si’ Movement Secretariat