Media Release

Mangaluru, Jul 8: ICYM, Commission for Ecology (Parisar Ayog) and Youth Commission (Yuva Ayog) of Bajjodi Unit organised Laudate Si Sunday on July 7 at 7.30 am to mark the occasion of 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 Cliyon D’silva welcomed the chief guest, the guests and the gathering. Chief guest Fr Dominic Vas, Fr Cyril Menezes and Fr Pranam Fernandes inaugurated the programme by planting saplings after which the vice president of parish council Prakash Saldanha, secretary Elizabeth Pereira, coordinator of Youth Commission Sachin Menezes, coordinator of commission for Ecology Joseph Mascarenhas, the ward gurkaars and representatives planted saplings and expressed their love and concern for Nature.

Fr Dominic Vas, in his message, explained as to how God created this universe in equilibrium form like the tall trees in the forests were created to cool down the earth to form clouds which in turn bring down rain, restrict soil erosion with their roots, shed their leaves to restrict flow of water that helps water seep through the soil, thus increasing ground water level. "This in turn retains moisture to help new trees grow with the seeds carried and sown by the birds from the fruits they eat. If not for man’s interference by cutting down trees and making this Earth a concrete jungle for his selfish needs, this Earth would have been a better place with plenty of forests and ample supply of Oxygen. In ancient times fencing was done to protect houses from forests and wild animals. But sadly now forests have to be fenced to be protected from human beings so that they do not encroach into forest areas and disturb the habitat of animals," he said. He spoke of the solution to this problem that is increasing at an alarming rate that all are called to save this Earth. "Each one of us need to do our bit by growing trees around our houses or at least growing plants in pots with beautiful flowers or having terrace gardens producing vegetables, fruits and thus keep our surroundings clean, green and beautiful," he added.

Fr Pranam Fernandes distributed the saplings to the parishioners after the programme.

ICYM members, the parish youth, members of the ecology commission, OSS sisters and parishioners were present for this programme.

Kreethan D’Souza compered the programme. Ashton Mascarenhas proposed a vote of thanks.