MARGAO
As part of the 8th Centenary celebrations of the Transitus of St. Francis of Assisi and in memory of the late Fr. Bolmax Pereira, St. Anne’s Church, Ponda, in collaboration with the Diocesan Commission for Ecology (DCE), organised an Interfaith Cycle Rally to mark World Bicycle Day 2026.
The event brought together 89 cyclists representing different age groups, faiths and families, united by a common commitment to environmental protection, healthy living and communal harmony. The rally carried the messages “Ride Green • Breathe Clean” and “One Ride • Many Faiths • One Humanity • One Goa.”
The programme began with a prayer service seeking blessings for creation and included a tribute to Fr. Bolmax Pereira, whose pioneering work in ecological awareness played a significant role in St. Anne’s Church being designated as the Season of Creation Parish 2026.
Participants took part in two categories — a 5.5-kilometre awareness ride for youth above 14 years and adults, and a 1-kilometre family ride for women and children aged between three and 13 years.
While 89 cyclists participated in the rally, the event witnessed broader community involvement, with more than 300 people either taking part in or witnessing the programme. Organisers said environmental awareness messages reached thousands more citizens along the route through banners, public announcements and interactions with participants.
The rally highlighted key themes such as pollution control, clean air, ecological responsibility, water conservation, sustainable living, promotion of cycling as a healthy lifestyle and interfaith unity.
Parish Priest Fr. Francis Rozario thanked Chief Guest Bosco George, IPS (Retd.), along with Rauf Mulla, President of the Ponda Muslim Association, and members of the police department for their support and encouragement.
Dr. Dolly Antao expressed appreciation to the Traffic Cell, Ponda Police, Goa Police personnel, volunteers, the Diocesan Commission for Ecology, parishioners of St. Francis Xavier Church, Chicalim, SCC animators, Parish Pastoral Council members and all participants who contributed to the event's success.
The organisers reaffirmed their commitment to promoting ecological awareness and sustainable living throughout the year as part of the Season of Creation Parish 2026 initiatives.
Speaking on behalf of the late Fr. Bolmax Pereira's vision, Alisha from the Diocesan Commission for Ecology said, “The rally may have ended, but the mission continues — to protect creation, reduce pollution and leave a greener Goa for future generations.”
