Fr Richard D'Souza

Mangaluru, Aug 29: As a response to pope’s encyclical Laudato si, the diocese of Mangalore social awareness committee organized ‘My Earth My responsibility’ to promote and preserve nature at Milagres Church hall on Saturday, August 29 at 10 am.

Forest minister, Ramanath Rai inaugurated the programme by unveiling the globe and symbolically planting and watering a plant by the guests present on the dais.

In his inaugural address, Ramanath Rai, appreciated the move of Catholic Church of Mangalore diocese for its concern for the earth as a response to Pope's encyclical. “Forest department has taken up keen interest by bringing laws like forest conservation Act etc to preserve our nature. There must be a balance in nature. Global warming, change in climate are results of human selfishness and irresponsible use of nature. All the religious centres will be given a letter in order to preserve environment”.

Fr Onil in his key note addresses spoke about the relevance of the programme quoting Pope’s encyclical Laudato si preserving our common home, which was well appreciated by all the leaders of the world. Pope gave a call to consider this earth as a temple and see the wonders of God. Use the earth with responsibility and pass it on to the next generation. Responsible use of natural resources, water, minerals etc are important to preserve the earth.

MLA J R Lobo in his address quoted the popes’ encyclical and appreciated the efforts of Catholic church in preserving nature. He caught the attention of the audience by speaking about light pollution and its effect on biodiversities. “In our agricultural fields, there are no frogs or snails, no fish in our streams, no crow, no sparrows around our houses. Therefore, all must join hands to preserve our common home”.

Bishop in his presidential address stressed the need of preserving the forest and environment. he also appreciated the efforts of the committee and organizers.

Mayor Jacintha Alfred led the oath taking ceremony on the occasion and opened the signature campaign to save nature. In her address, she gave a call to reduce and recycle the waste material to protect the earth.

Bishop Aloysius felicitated all those have taken initiatives to preserve the earth by planting saplings to grow forest, use solar energy, biogas and establishing water treatment plants with gifts and plants.

Bishop of Mangalore, Dr Aloysius Paul D’Souza, Ramanath Rai minister for Forest, J R Lobo MLA, Mr Ivan D souza MLC, Jacintha Alfred Mayor Mangalore, Fr Oniel D’Souza convenor of the committee and M P Noronha secretary diocesan pastoral parishes were present on the dais.

M P Noronha welcomed the gathering Fr Onil proposed the vote of thanks and Mallika Shetty compered the programme.