A joint meeting of the Executive Committee of the Diocesan Commission for Ecology (DCE) and the Parish Jubilee Committee of St Anne’s Parish, Ponda was held on Tuesday, marking a milestone in the Archdiocese’s ecological mission.
The gathering commenced with an opening prayer, followed by a warm welcome from Parish Priest Fr Francis Rozario OFM, who also facilitated an introduction of participants.
DCE Executive Committee members Valucio Rodrigues, Alisha Pereira, and Mabel Noronha presented a comprehensive review of ecological initiatives undertaken in the Season of Creation parishes of St Estevam, Benaulim, Candolim, and Tilamol. These included collaborative efforts with local Panchayats and grassroots ecological movements.
DCE Convenor Fr Bolmax Pereira provided an overview of ecological initiatives at the Archdiocesan, regional (Western Region), and national (CBCI & CCBI) levels.
Fr Francis Rozario shared the vision of celebrating the Season of Creation from a ‘Global to Local’ perspective, especially significant as part of the 8th Centenary of St Francis of Assisi, the patron saint of ecology.
A key highlight of the meeting was the official declaration of St Anne’s Parish, Ponda as a “Season of Creation 2026 Parish”, announced by Fr Bolmax Pereira on behalf of the Archdiocese of Goa and Daman.
The occasion also marked the release of a commemorative logo celebrating 800 years of the Transitus (passing) of St Francis of Assisi, symbolising a renewed commitment to ecological stewardship.
The Parish Jubilee Committee members with Fr Hemant, Fr Anil, Dr Dolly, Xavier Fernandes, and Tina presented several ongoing and upcoming initiatives:
Recognising the power of digital media, the Ponda parish aims to actively engage youth in creating ecological awareness through reels, short films, essays, and social media campaigns.
Discussions were also held on strategic media partnerships with Catholic and secular platforms to amplify the Season of Creation theme for 2026:
“Living Waters” preparations are underway for a series of liturgical and community events at the Parish, Deanery, and Archdiocesan levels from September 1 to October 4, aligning with the global Season of Creation observance.
