Media Release

Mangaluru, Jul 1: In a heartfelt gesture towards environmental conservation, the Catholic Sabha Mangalore Pradesh (R) – South Zone, in collaboration with the Catholic Sabha Mudipu Unit and the Karnataka Forest Department, Mangalore Division, observed Laudato Si Van Mahotsav on Sunday, June 29, at the St Joseph Vaz Shrine in Mudipu.

The programme began with a prayer and blessing led by Fr Assisi Rebello, rector of the St Joseph Vaz Shrine, who invoked divine blessings for the success of the initiative.

Presiding over the event, Dolphy D'Souza, president of the Catholic Sabha South Zone, welcomed the gathering.

Delivering the keynote address, Alwyn D’Souza Paneer, president of the All-India Catholic Union, stressed the importance of planting and nurturing trees as a vital step toward restoring nature's balance. "It is not enough to plant trees—we must also protect and care for them, for the survival of our future generations,” he said.

Speaking on the occasion, Mehboob Sab, deputy forest officer of Kotekar Range, urged participants to adopt the saplings they plant and ensure they are watered and preserved, especially during summer. He noted that deforestation and habitat loss have severely reduced tree cover and called for more collective efforts to plant and maintain greenery in every available space.

Other dignitaries present on the dais included Naveen D’Souza (vice president, parish pastoral council of Mudipu Church), Santosh D’Souza (secretary), Roshan D’Souza (president, Catholic Sabha Mudipu Unit), Sister Fatima (superior, Holy Family Convent), and Tressy Rodrigues (secretary, Catholic Sabha South Zone).

Following the formal function, the dignitaries inaugurated the tree planting drive by planting saplings. In collaboration with the forest department, Catholic Sabha members went on to plant around 300 saplings within the church premises.

The programme was compered by Felix D’Souza, and the vote of thanks was delivered by Tressy Rodrigues.