Diocesan Commission for Ecology launched on World Environment Day in Goa
The Diocesan Commission for Ecology (DCE) was launched on June 5th, 2022, at St. Francis Xavier Church premises, Chicalim, on the 50th World Environment Day. The Archbishop of Goa and Daman Most Rev. Filipe Neri Ferrão established the Diocesan Commission for Ecology as per the guidelines of the CCBI. The Executive Committee of the commission was officially given charge on the World Environment Day through Fr. Kenneth Teles, the Dean of Mormugao deanery, on behalf of the Archbishop. Rev. Dr. Bolmax Fidelis Pereira was appointed as its first Convenor and Rev. Fr Anthony Carvalho as secretary-cum- treasurer. Dr Joshua D’Mello, Mr Miguel Braganza, Ms. Yannah Angelica Marchon, Mr. Valucio Rodrigues, Sr. Liberata Fernandes, SFN and Ms. Mable Noronha were the other members appointed for a term of 3 years. Each member introduced themselves and delivered a short message for environmental protection. Incidentally, the Archdiocese of Goa became the first diocese to implement the call given by the Conference of Catholic Bishops of India at the fifth anniversary of encyclical Laudato Si by Pope Francis. This Commission is affiliated to CCBI Commission for Ecology headed by Bishop-Chairman Most Rev. Allwyn D’Silva.
The day was celebrated under the theme ‘Only One Earth’ which was the slogan launched at 1st World Environment Day at Stockholm Conference in 1972. The WED celebrations in fact started on 1st June for Chicalim Parish Youth with 4-day garbage cleaning initiative titled Swachchicalim where the youth urged the locals to come out and clean their surroundings before monsoon arrives. It was conducted for four days at four different locations. Day 1 on 1st June the Garbage clean up drive was conducted at the Chicalim park, 2nd June was at Naquelim, 3rd June was at Dabolim and 4th was at St. Jacinto. On all the four days the cleanliness drive started at 4pm and it continued for an hour. Although not many locals were present the youth worked to make Garbage clean up drive a success. The collected garbage was picked up by Chicalim village panchayat for proper disposal. The youth also urged people to initiate their ‘kitchen garden’ in their backyard which could be later registered with Diocesan Commission for Ecology for further follow-up.
The 5th June program that took off with reel dance on the hindi track ‘plastic tthik na paye re’, witnessed Art competition in 3 age groups; (5-7years) under the topic: What I Like about my environment. Aadya Prabhu, Aliza Fernandes, Abigail D\’Souza won the first, second and third place respectively. (8 – 12years) under the topic: How can I be a responsible care giver to mother Earth? Rheesa Fernandes, Marisha Vales, Clarissa do Rosario won the first, second and third place respectively. (13-16 years) under the topic: For the logo of Diocesan Commission of Ecology- \”God Created One Earth\”. Clare do Rosario, Aden D\’Souza, Kaira Pereira won the first, second and third place respectively.
Wealth out of Waste fancy dress competitions in 2 age groups were organised. In the first category below 9years the first and the second prize was won by Rhys Carvalho and Skyler Fernandes respectively. In the second category the first, second and third prize was won by Aedan Viegas, Astrid Lobo, Tosia Rego respectively.
So also the ‘Hanv Utthla Tum Utth’ video making competition organised by Chicalim Youth Farmers Club the winners were 1st place: Rising Youth, 2nd place: Crispino Faria, 3rd place: Fanio Noronha. Appreciation prizes were given to Banusha Dias and Varun D\’Silva.
After vowing to protect the environment the celebration ended at 6.30 p.m.