Sr Molly Fernandes sfn
Sancoale, Jun 18: Carrying forward the spiritual and environmental fervour of their 91st Foundation Day celebrated on June 16, the Congregation of the Holy Family of Nazareth organized a meaningful tree plantation drive on June 18 at Houstint, Sancoale. The drive was held in alignment with the annual Vana Mahotsav festival, serving as both a response to urgent ecological needs and a tribute to the Congregation's roots.
The plantation drive was deeply rooted in honouring the legacy of the Congregation's founder, Fr Faustinho de Souza, a pioneering environmentalist of his time. Long before modern ecological movements took shape, Fr de Souza actively championed afforestation wherever he was posted.
His most legendary initiative took place at the St Francis Xavier Chapel in Duler. Upon being posted there as Chaplain, he encountered a neglected, dense wilderness that sheltered wild animals—a vicinity so intimidating that locals feared to cross it. Demonstrating remarkable foresight, Fr de Souza rallied the local youth, clearing the area and assigning them the responsibility of planting and regularly watering trees. Through this community effort, a once-shunned wasteland was gradually transformed into a vibrant zone where life and community joy thrived.
This initiative comes at a critical juncture for Goa. The state is currently witnessing intense debates over development, with more than 400 trees being felled for road widening projects and flyover constructions. While citizens protest and knock on the doors of the courts to protect the state's dwindling green cover, the Congregation chose to take direct, constructive action on the ground.
The event saw enthusiastic participation from the leadership, elders, and the future generation of the institution. The drive was led and graced by: Sr Berna Rodrigues (Superior general), Sr Estella Pereira (Community animator), Sr Neves Azavedo (Senior most sister in the community), teachers and vibrant students from St Joseph Vaz High School, and the ward, sisters currently in formation, alongside other sisters of the Congregation. Also present were, Shivanand (Helper) and Franky (Support staff), whose dedicated efforts on the ground were invaluable to the drive.
During the drive, over 20 saplings—ranging from essential spices to local fruit-bearing trees—were planted by the dignitaries and students. The variety was carefully chosen to support local biodiversity and included:
Fruit-bearing trees: Mango, Jackfruit, Lemon, Bullheart (Ramphal), Custard Apple (Sitaphal), Kokum, and Love Apple.
Shade & Medicinal trees: Neem and Tamarind.
Spices: Cinnamon.
In the true spirit of Fr de Souza’s original methodology, the drive did not end with just placing saplings in the soil. Each person present actively participated, ensuring every sapling was securely planted and watered. The attendees pledged to nurture these young trees, promising that this patch in Sancoale will grow to echo the same joyful, life-filled bustle that their Founder created nearly a century ago.