MARGAO
Cardinal Filipe Neri Ferrao has underscored the need to protect the environment, urging the present generation to preserve nature and pass it on to future generations just as their ancestors had done.
The Cardinal made the appeal after blessing the annual paddy sowing activity at the Rachol Seminary. He also lauded the seminarians, youth and residents from neighbouring villages for coming together to cultivate the seminary's fields.
"God created nature and entrusted humanity with the responsibility of protecting and caring for it. However, we have witnessed the wanton destruction of the environment and nature in the name of development," Cardinal Ferrao said.
He pointed out that environmental degradation has begun to affect weather patterns, including the monsoon. "The destruction of the environment has affected the monsoon. There has been a delay in the arrival of the rains this year. I have just returned from Europe, where people are experiencing scorching heat," he said.
Expressing gratitude to residents of Rachol, Raia, Shiroda, Nuvem, Fatorda and other neighbouring villages, the Cardinal thanked them for extending their support to the seminarians in the agricultural activity.
"God created human beings to protect nature and entrusted them with this responsibility. Our ancestors safeguarded the hills, mountains, rivers and trees. Today, in the name of development, we are witnessing the destruction of the environment and its consequences," he said.
Cardinal Ferrao also expressed happiness at seeing schoolchildren participating alongside the seminarians and local residents in the sowing operations.
Seminarian Cesar Dias said the annual paddy cultivation has become a collective effort involving seminarians, villagers and youth from surrounding areas.
"People from Rachol, Raia, Shiroda, Nuvem and Fatorda have joined us in this agricultural activity. This year, schoolchildren have also participated. The experience will not only give them practical exposure to farming but also sow the seeds of love and respect for Mother Nature," Dias said.
