Media Release

Mangaluru, Jul 23: ICYM, Commission for Ecology ( Parisar Ayog) and Youth Commission ( Yuva Ayog) of Bajjodi Unit organized Laudate Si Sunday on July 23 in the church premises to mark the World Environment Day.

The programme started with a prayer song by the ICYM members. Fr Dominic Vas, parish priest of Infant Mary Church was the chief guest. ICYM president Riyana Pinto welcomed the chief guest, the guests and the gathering. Fr Dominic Vas in his message spoke of how man has disfigured the beautiful Universe that God has created. Today everything in nature - air, water, soil, food, fish has been polluted by man. He has cut the trees, destroyed the forest, levelled the lakes and built mighty buildings which has caused great destruction to Nature. Pope Francis says nature is the 8th sacrament where we meet God. Hence we are all called upon to love and preserve nature, planting trees being an important step.

Chief guest Fr Dominic Vas, Fr Rayan Pinto, Fr Cyril Menezes, Deacon Br Siltan Noronha, OSS sisters, president of parish council Prakash Saldanha, secretary Elizabeth Pereira, co-ordinator of the 21 ayogs Ronald Goveas, eco commission co-ordinator Joseph Mascarenhas, co - ordinator of Youth Commission Sachin Menezes and gurkars planted saplings as an expression of their love and concern for nature. The youth, ICYM animator Seema Carlo and parishioners were among others who were present.

ICYM vice president Kreethan D'Souza compered the programme. Jilson Pinto proposed the vote of thanks.

The programme concluded with the distribution of plants to those present so as to motivate them to grow and nurture plants in their surrounding and thus contribute to the environment and nature.