News : Eric Soans, Pics : Herbert Joseph Menezes
On a Sunday, 21/07/ the St.Peter Church, in collaboration with its Environmental Commission, celebrated "Laudato Si' Day" with great enthusiasm. The event, inspired by Pope Francis's encyclical on environmental care, saw active participation from parishioners and community members alike.
The highlight of the day was a special sale of fruit and flower saplings, sourced from local nurseries. The Environmental Commission, led by its dedicated team, organized this initiative to promote green living and environmental consciousness among the faithful. Parishioners were offered a wide variety of saplings at reasonable prices, encouraging them to contribute to a greener neighborhood.
The event was a resounding success, with approximately 140 saplings finding new homes by the end of the day. Alongside the sale, volunteers provided valuable information on proper planting techniques and care for the saplings, ensuring that buyers were well-equipped to nurture their new green companions.
Parish Vicar, Fr. Ronald Miranda, graced the occasion with his presence. He blessed the initiative and offered words of encouragement, emphasizing the importance of environmental stewardship in line with the teachings of "Laudato Si'."
Several key figures from the parish and environmental circles were present at the event. Mr. Stany Lewis, a renowned environmentalist and tree enthusiast, lent his expertise to the proceedings. Mr. Praveen Carvalho, the Leader of the Environmental Commission, oversaw the smooth running of the event.
The parish pastoral council was well-represented, with Vice President Mr. Jossy Fernandes and Secretary Mr. Eric Soans actively participating in the day's activities. Mr. Herald D'Souza, the coordinator of various parish commissions, played a crucial role in bringing together different groups for this eco-friendly initiative.
The success of the event was attributed to the collaborative efforts of the Environmental Commission and the Catholic Sabha members. Their joint endeavor highlighted the parish's commitment to Pope Francis's call for environmental protection and sustainable living.
This celebration of "Laudato Si' Day" not only raised awareness about environmental issues but also provided a practical way for parishioners to contribute to a greener planet. The enthusiastic response from the community suggests a growing consciousness about environmental responsibilities among the faithful.
Organizers expressed hope that this initiative would inspire more such events in the future, fostering a culture of environmental care within the parish and beyond. The sight of parishioners leaving with saplings in hand symbolized a small but significant step towards a greener, more sustainable future, in line with the spirit of "Laudato Si'."