Meet underscores Church's moral responsibility to act on climate change, environmental degradation
The Western Region of the Catholic Bishops’ Conference of India (CCBI) recently concluded a three-day Eco Meet on Integral Ecology, uniting leaders from five dioceses in a powerful commitment to environmental stewardship.
Held at Shanti Sadan in Benaulim from August 29 to 31, the conference brought together diocesan heads and delegates from Amravati, Nagpur, Nashik, Sindhudurg, and Goa to address the pressing ecological crisis through the lens of faith.
Under the theme ‘Hearing the Cry of the Earth and the Cry of the Poor: Translating Laudato Si’ and Laudate Deum into Diocesan Action,’ the event was guided by Bishop Simiao Purificasao Fernandes, Chairman of the CCBI Commission for Ecology, Western Region, and coordinated by Diocesan Commission of Ecology (DCE) Convenor Fr Bolmax Pereira. The gathering underscored the Church's moral responsibility to act on climate change and environmental degradation.
Bishop Fernandes emphasised the urgency of the crisis, calling for concrete, parish-level initiatives ahead of COP30.
Echoing this message, Fr Pereira unpacked the theological roots of integral ecology, asserting that true ecological awareness must lead to tangible action.
“The cry of the Earth and the cry of the poor are one and the same,” he stated, “and require an urgent conversion of humanity.”
A key highlight of the meet was the sharing of successful models from the field. Members of the Goa Diocesan Commission for Ecology (DCE) shared their experiences, including their annual “Season of Creation” programme, which has mobilised communities for agriculture revival, clean-up and plantation drives as well as celebrating Ecological uniqueness of host village.
A presentation by the youth-driven Chicalim Youth Farmers Club (CYFC) demonstrated how their passion for farming evolved into a professional collective, showcasing a powerful example of young people balancing their studies and jobs with a deep commitment to sustainable agriculture.
The conference also featured a dynamic panel of experts, including Orville Dourado, Adv. Richard Almeida, youth activist Shohail Furtado, and waste management expert Godfrey Franklin.
They urged the delegates, particularly the youth, to become “freedom fighters for the environment,” echoing a call for active participation and courage to stand against injustice.
On the final day, Cardinal Filipe Neri Ferrão celebrated Holy Mass, stressing the importance of humility in service to the poor and the environment.
“Be humble enough to let anyone smaller than you or poorer than you to be before you,” he urged.
The delegates also strategised the formation of dedicated Ecology Commissions in every diocese, with the Goa DCE providing a blueprint for success. Fr Pereira highlighted the importance of a diverse team—from marine scientists to financial experts and youth—in ensuring the commission's effectiveness.
The meet concluded with a renewed sense of purpose and fellowship, with participants committing to carry the mission of Integral Ecology forward into their communities. The CCBI’s Western Region has taken a significant step toward making environmental action a core part of its mission, demonstrating that faith and ecological responsibility are inseparable.
