– Cedric D’Costa
The Xavier Retreat House, Baga, is hosting a specialized Ignatian eco consciousness workshop on ‘Medicinal Plants in Goa’, on Sunday, July 6, 2025, from 9.30am to 5.00pm at Baga.
The day long workshop will dwell on, ‘Ancient Wisdom for Modern Wellness’, and will be conducted by Prof Hector Andrade, Medicinal plants conservationist and former Principal of Mercedes Benz International School, Pune.
The terms of the workshops will be strictly on prior registration.
The highlights of the workshop will be:
* Healing Herbs – Discovering natures gentle healing.
* Hands-on green time – Plant, grow, reflect.
* Nature and Us – Exploring deep connections with nature
* Wholeness and Healing – Body, Mind and soul care.
* Fellowship – Eucharist and exchange of ideas of Eco Conscious participants.
The Xavier Retreat House, Baga has been organizing a series of workshops at the picturesque Baga hillock overlooking the quaint Baga beach and the Arabian Sea.
Since 2024, participants at eco-consciousness retreats have been guided to spend time with nature, hands on training and do-it-yourself sessions to grow plants, potting, adding manures and general upkeep of plants.
As the universal church celebrates the Jubliee Year 2025, with the theme, ‘Pilgrims of Hope’, special emphasis is laid on ‘Virtues of Hope’ and other church teachings like the, ‘Laudato Si ‘, urging lay faithful to care and nurture nature in all its entirety.
The eco-consciousness retreats at Baga are attended by the religious, individuals, families, community groups, youth, collegians and young professionals with much enthusiasm not hesitating to get mud on their hands during a reflective time with nature.
The eco-retreat help participants better comprehend with God’s creation, purpose, use and gain a deeper knowledge of surroundings, to adhere to sustainability for future generations.
Spiritually enhancing reflections, the calming sounds of waves, offer participants valuable opportunities to re-establish their connection with God, nature, and ones inner self through immersive group activities in the breathtaking outdoor setting against the constant echoes of the oceans churning.
Guided silent retreats in Ignatian spirituality are held at the Xavier Retreat House in Baga for lay and religious faithful, as well as professionals, schools and young adults throughout the year on prior booking.
