The Catholic Sabha, Bondel Unit, in collaboration with the Environment Commission, organized the ‘Laudato Si’ Van Mahotsav on Sunday, 5 July 2026, at St Lawrence Church & Shrine, Bondel, with the aim of promoting environmental stewardship and inspiring the faithful to care for God’s creation in the spirit of Pope Francis’ Laudato Si’.

The programme commenced at 8:30 a.m. in the church pandal with a prayer seeking God’s blessings upon the gathering and the noble mission of protecting the environment. Mr Sujay D’Silva, President of the Catholic Sabha, extended a warm welcome to the clergy, distinguished guests, and the large gathering of parishioners. The clergy and dignitaries were felicitated with shawls by the members of the Catholic Sabha as a gesture of welcome and respect..

The celebration was graced by the presence of Rev. Fr Basil Vas, Parish Priest; Rev. Fr Peter Gonsalves, Principal of St. Lawrence English Medium School; Rev. Fr Lawrence Cutinha, Assistant Parish Priest; Mr Cyril Lobo Guest of Honour , Mr Joachim Stany Alvares President of the Karnataka Konkani Sahitya Academy.Mr John D’Silva, Vice President of the Parish Pastoral Council; Mr Alwyn Saldanha, Secretary of the Parish Pastoral Council; Mrs Avitha Mascarenhas –All commission head,, Mr Steevan DSilva Commison Head ,Mr Sujay D’Silva, President , Mrs Olivia D’Sa, Secretary of the Catholic Sabha; and Mr. Herald Pinto, Convener of the Environment Commission.

As a symbolic expression of commitment to environmental conservation, the Chief Guest, together with the dignitaries on the dais, planted and watered a sapling, signifying the shared responsibility of every individual to protect, preserve, and nurture God’s creation for future generations.

The Chief Guest, Mr Cyril Lobo, a respected senior citizen and progressive farmer from Pachanady,, Bondel was felicitated with a shawl, a memento, and a sapling in recognition of his lifelong commitment to sustainable farming and his exemplary concern for the environment.

In his address, Mr Cyril Lobo spoke passionately about his deep love for nature and emphasized the importance of preserving God’s creation for future generations. Drawing from his years of experience as a progressive farmer, he encouraged everyone to cultivate a sense of responsibility towards the environment by planting more trees, conserving water, reducing waste, and adopting eco-friendly practices in their daily lives. He reminded the gathering that protecting nature is not merely a social responsibility but also a moral and spiritual duty entrusted to every individual.

Mr Lobo also conveyed his heartfelt gratitude to the Catholic Sabha for honouring and appreciating his lifelong contribution to sustainable farming and environmental conservation. He expressed that the recognition was both humbling and encouraging, and urged the younger generation to become responsible stewards of the environment by caring for the earth with dedication, love, and commitment.

In his address, Rev. Fr Basil Vass urged everyone to plant more trees and care for God’s creation. He reminded the faithful that protecting the environment is both a responsibility and an expression of our love for the Creator, encouraging all to preserve our common home for future generations.

As part of last year’s environmental initiative, saplings were distributed to the ward gurkars. This year, those who had nurtured their saplings well were recognised and awarded cash prizes in appreciation of their commitment to environmental conservation.

A symbolic distribution of Mango saplings and organic manure followed, during which they were presented to the parish clergy, the Vice President, the Secretary of the Parish Pastoral Council, and all 37 Ward Gurkars, encouraging them to lead environmental initiatives within their respective wards.

The programme was compered by Mr Wilfred Alvares, while the vote of thanks was proposed by Mr Herald Pinto, who expressed sincere appreciation to the clergy, dignitaries, volunteers, sponsors, and everyone whose dedicated efforts contributed to the success of the programme.

The saplings were thoughtfully arranged by Mr Luvi Pinto and Mr Stany Alvares, while the backdrop, mementos, and event banner were creatively designed and prepared by Mr Jason Fernandes.

The celebration concluded with a thanksgiving hymn, inspiring everyone to continue caring for and protecting God’s creation through their daily actions.

Report :Meena Serrao Barboza

Photography :Murel Misquith