Laudato Si’ Program – Our Lady of Loretto Church

July 06, Loretto: In alignment with the spirit of Laudato Si’ and the call to care for our common home, Our Lady of Loretto Church organized a meaningful awareness program on environmental conservation and sustainable living. The initiative was jointly hosted by the Parish, ICYM, YCS, Catholic Sabha, and the Commission for Environment.

The program commenced with the celebration of the Holy Eucharist, invoking blessings for creation and the environment. This was followed by a stage program in the church premises.

The stage program began with a prayer, setting the tone for the day. A welcome speech was delivered to greet the dignitaries and participants. Rev. Fr. Francis Crasta, Parish Priest, addressed the gathering, emphasizing the importance of environmental stewardship in our daily lives.

The resource person, Mr. Rajesh D. Kotian from Moodabidri, who works in the municipality and is also engaged in fish farming, delivered an insightful talk. He shared practical knowledge on fish farming as a sustainable livelihood option and spoke about the importance of conserving nature and water resources. He also assured support and supply of fish to those interested in beginning fish farming, encouraging self-sustenance and ecological responsibility.

The program was enriched by the presence of: Mr. Cyprian D’Souza, PPC Vice President, Mrs. Shaila Barboza, Secretary, Mr. Prakash Vas, Coordinator for all the Church commissions, Sr. Idoline Rodrigues, Superior, Mezwil D'Souza, ICYM President, Mr. Rayan Rodrigues, Commission for Environment Coordinator.

Refreshments were served following the session. As a symbolic gesture of commitment to green initiatives, jackfruit saplings were distributed to the participants, and a few were planted in the church surroundings to mark the occasion.

The program proved to be highly informative and inspiring, fostering awareness and responsibility among parishioners towards the environment and sustainable living practices.