PRITHVI PARIVAR GATHERING- 9th Dec – 11th Dec ’22 – GOA
We humans strengthen our bond among our families and relatives, friends and associates. Has anyone given a thought about strengthening our bond with nature and the environment? A quote by M S Swaminathan strikes a chord with me, “If conservation of natural resources goes wrong, nothing can go right”
To educate one another, share our thoughts, knowledge and inputs on the various ways and the measures that be taken to conserve and restore our environment, our Mother Earth, the Commission for Ecology of the Conference of Catholic Bishops of India (CCBI) together with the Goa Diocesan Commission for Ecology conducted an in-person Prithvi Parivar Gathering from 09 th to 11 th December 2022 at the St Joseph Vaz Spiritual Renewal Centre, Old Goa. The gathering had around 85 participants from all over the country who are actively involved in all ecological related activities be it in their parishes, communities, societies etc.
Fr Bolmax Fidelis Pereira (Convener – Goa Diocesan Commission for Ecology), with his team and youth members, ensured and took care of all the arrangements in Goa right from the meals, stay and the exposure programme.
The first day, 9 th December, was to get to know each other better. Bishop Allwyn D’Silva (Chairperson – CCBI Commission for Ecology and Convener – Prithvi Parivar) welcomed everybody. There were ice breakers conducted by Ms Shawna Nemesia Rebello (Subject Matter Consultant) and Fr Joshua D’Souza (Executive Secretary) of the CCBI Commission for Ecology, and we were divided into groups. I must say the ice breakers were first of a kind that I came across after attending various training programmes, seminars and workshops. Context setting was done by Fr Joshua. Members of the Goa Diocesan Commission for Ecology then showcased eco-spirituality in action: Fr Anthony Carvalho took us though Bible verses, Pope Francis’ encyclical Laudato Si’ and the Laudato Si’ Goals, Sr Liberata Fernandes overviewed the various initiatives undertaken in her community and province to care for creation, Ms Mabel Menezes spoke about the various birds of Goa and how one can focus on attracting birds, while youth member Ms Yannah Angelica Marchon shared her experience on how she got involved with caring for creation. The day ended with a Eucharistic Adoration centred on the Lord of Creation led by Fr Bolmax Pereira.
The second day, 10 th December, began with the Eucharist concelebrated by Bishop Allwyn, Fr Bolmax and Fr Desmond Fernandes after which participant sisters from Odisha of the Handmaids of Mary congregation performed a prayer dance. Fr Joshua and Shawna briefed us on the code of conduct which is necessary in the present times. Bishop Allwyn then set the context for the day’s exposure programme, with Fr Bolmax briefing the group on the various places that we would be covering. As a part of the exposure programme, we were asked to observe the changes that we see around us as we travel from our venue to destinations. Bishop Allwyn and Fr Bolmax unveiled Prithvi Parivar jerseys for us to wear during the day.
The trip started with Sancaole. At the ‘frontispiece’ of Sancaole Church, where today only the façade stands erect – St Joseph Vaz made the ‘Deed of Bondage’ to Mother Mary in 1677, lay a pathway to the mangroves. The visit to the mangroves was so enlightening as we learnt the importance and the need for mangroves, their growth patterns and how they sustain themselves. We proceeded to the Chicalim Bay area, an ecologically fragile marine site for conservation of windowpane oysters. At the coast, we found shells of this bivalve that were used for window panes when Goa was a Portuguese colony. We departed for the Chicalim megalithic caves. We were given a warm welcome by the villagers of Chicalim and parishioners of its St Francis Xavier Church at the site. They sang for us and put flowers and it was heart-warming to see the happy smiling faces on each one of them. We visited the prehistoric megalithic caves, in one of which we came across the windowpane oyster shells! Ms Maria Lira Rodrigues, a local retired teacher, explained the caves’ significance. The villagers all came together and prepared a sumptuous, traditional meal for us. Another highlight was song and dance with them, and we even had a chance to pick up crockery made of mud by the locals. We thanked them profusely and Bishop Allwyn imparted his blessing. We continued with our journey to the Mormugao Port Authority where we environmental activists Mr Jayesh and ex Captain Viriato Fernandes showed us the Vasco coal terminal. They spoke about the reality on the coal mining and transportation, underscoring how the gains of politicians and corporates come at the cost of people’s lives and the environment, and gave us insights on the measures that they taking along with the locals. This is a long battle but their ‘never going to give up attitude’ was inspiring. Their commitment and dedication towards Goa and sustainable living spoke volumes. Our last stop was the Bogmalo beach where we were served snacks and tea. We all spent time on the beach, enjoyed the view of the setting sun and returned to Old Goa for dinner and rest.
The third and the final day, 11 th December, began with the Eucharist concelebrated by Bishop Allwyn, Fr Leon Cruz SDB and Fr Desmond. Later, we went into four groups to discuss and pictorially explain the insights received during the exposure programme, our analyses and action plans. All the groups came forward with beautiful depictions of their various observations and action plans for the future. Shawna briefed us about the Prithvi Parivar timeline – from its conceptualisation as a pan-India ecological movement, its thrust, the various online events conducted, to its vision and mission. Bishop Allwyn then highlighted the role of youth – the present working for the future – for an Eco Youth movement and members in taking the Prithvi Parivar movement forward. Members from different states were picked from among the participants to be part of the core groups that will steer these movements. The day and the gathering ended with a sense of responsibility towards implementing the learnings and insights received, a vote of thanks by Shawna, concluding remarks by Bishop Allwyn and Fr Bolmax, a closing prayer by Fr Francis Kambolathu and photo sessions.
I thank Bishop Allwyn for initiating this gathering which is surely going to stay beneficial for each of us. I am truly happy and glad that I am a part of Prithvi Parivar. My future interactions with the members can help me to increase my knowledge and execute my learnings in my parish and community and try spreading the word across as leading by example can slowly and steadily deliver results.
Joel Mendonsa
(with inputs from Mabel Menezes, Shawna N Rebello, Jasmin Nair and Yannah A Marchon)