Laudato Si – Vanamahostava Programme at Derebail Church

Laudato Si – Vanamahostava Programme at Derebail Church

Laudato Si – Vanamahostava programme was colourfully celebrated at Derebail Church, under the leadership of Catholic Sabha, Commissions for Youth, Interreligious dialogue and Environment. The programme began at 10.00 am in front of the Church premises. The programme commenced with the words of introduction and special welcome to the distinguished guests of the day, Mr Shashidar Hegde the former Mayor and current Corporator and Mrs Ranjini the Corporator. 
Fr Joseph Martis, the Parish Priest, gave the message of the day. He quoted the encyclical letter of Pope Francis, laudato Si, wherein the Holy Father is forcefully inviting all the humans to take care of the nature and all it contains for it is the finest gift of God. As humans, we have the responsibility to nourish and nurture the nature. He added, saying that this days celebration was a reminder of our responsibility to keep our environment clean and also plant saplings inorder to appreciate the gift of nature. He thanked the two corporators for their constant support. Mr Shashidhar Hegde in his speech, said that we have to take care of our environment as Mangalore City is gaining momentum in development and we are called to keep our city clean and tidy. 
After the formal programme, varieties of saplings were planted in between the two main roads and also in the vicinity and the Cemetery. Leadership was taken by the Catholic Sabha President, Wilma Monteiro and members, Environment Sanchalak, Jeevan Miranda and members, Inter-religious Dialogue Sanchalak, Anil Patrao and members, Youth Sanchalak, Jeethan Castelino and members. The Junior CLC group of the Parish with its President Rovin D’Souza and members, YSD group with its President Christon Menezes and members were actively involved and participated in the programme by planting saplings. Fr Kevin D’Souza, the Assistant Parish Priest, Parish Vice President, Sheela D’Souza, Secretary, Denzil Pinto, Convenor, Edward Coelho were actively involved and participated. Mr Sheldon Crasta, beautifully compered the programme. The programme was attended by a large number of parishioners.

Report by: Janice Coelho