Barkur, July 9, 2023 - The vibrant festival of Vana Mahothsava, also known as the Festival of Forests, was joyfully celebrated at St. Peter's Church in Barkur The event, organized by the Catholic Sabha and Environmental Commission of Barkur, was a remarkable initiative aligned with the Laudato Si, a call for environmental stewardship by Pope Francis.
Laudato Si, meaning "Praise be to you" in Italian, embodies the spirit of gratitude towards nature and is inspired by the renowned "Canticle of the Creatures" written by St. Francis of Assisi. The festival aimed to promote environmental consciousness and sustainability, encouraging individuals to appreciate and preserve the natural elements that bring forth goodness in our lives.
The Catholic Sabha and Environmental Commission of Barkur collaborated with a well-known nursery to offer a diverse range of high-quality tree saplings at an affordable price. This partnership sought to enable the community to contribute to reforestation efforts and foster a greener environment.
The event was graced by the presence and support of esteemed individuals, including Parish Priest Rev Fr Ronald Miranda and Resident Priest Fr Rolvin Fernandes, who conveyed their heartfelt wishes for the success of this environmentally friendly program.
One of the highlights of the celebration was the ceremonial planting of a Seethaphal sapling by renowned environmentalist Staney Lewis on behalf of both organizing units. This symbolic gesture emphasized the commitment of the Catholic Sabha and Environmental Commission to the cause of conservation.
The entire event was made possible through the dedication and efforts of several individuals, including Praveen Carvalho, the convener of the Environmental Commission and Pius James DSouza, the President of the Catholic Sabha, Barkur unit, Their collective vision and leadership played a vital role in ensuring the event's success.
The program received further support from Joseph Fernandes, the Vice President, Herald DSouza, the Coordinator of various commissions of the Parish Council, as well as Alwyn Andrade, the Administrator of the NM WhatsApp group. Their involvement and assistance were instrumental in bringing the community together for this noble cause.
The Vana Mahothsava celebration at Barkur Church served as a reminder of our responsibility to safeguard and preserve the natural world. By embracing the ideals of Laudato Si, the Catholic Sabha and Environmental Commission of Barkur have set an inspiring example for fostering environmental awareness and taking concrete actions towards a sustainable future.