Ponda, Goa, May 1, 2026: St. Anne's Church, Ponda has been officially designated as a "Season of Creation 2026 Parish," marking a significant milestone in the Archdiocese's ongoing commitment to ecological stewardship and care for creation.
The declaration was made during a joint meeting of the Executive Committee of the Diocesan Commission for Ecology and the Parish Jubilee Committee held on April 28. Announcing the decision on behalf of the Archdiocese of Goa and Daman, Fr. Bolmax Pereira described it as an important step in deepening the Church's ecological mission at the parish level.
The meeting served as a platform to review and celebrate the ecological initiatives already underway in several Season of Creation parishes, including Sto Estevam, Benaulim, Candolim, and Tilamol. Delegates heard inspiring accounts of collaboration with local panchayats and grassroots environmental groups, highlighting the growing integration of ecological responsibility into parish life and community engagement.
Among the notable initiatives presented were efforts in biodiversity conservation, especially the protection of bird species, restoration work along the River Sal, coconut cultivation projects, and sustainable rice farming practices in Tilamol. Partnerships with local organisations, including the Chicalim Farmers Club, were cited as effective models of community-based environmental action.
Offering a wider perspective, Fr. Bolmax outlined ecological programmes being carried out at the Archdiocesan, Western Regional, and national levels through the Catholic Bishops' Conference of India and the Conference of Catholic Bishops of India, underscoring the Church's expanding commitment to environmental justice and sustainability.
A particularly significant moment came when Fr. Francis Rozario presented a vision for celebrating the Season of Creation from a "Global to Local" perspective. He linked the initiative to the upcoming eighth centenary of Francis of Assisi, whose enduring legacy continues to inspire ecological spirituality across the world.
The gathering also witnessed the unveiling of a commemorative logo marking 800 years of the Transitus of St. Francis, symbolising a renewed call to ecological conversion and stewardship.
At the parish level, St. Anne's has outlined an ambitious programme of spiritual, social, and environmental initiatives. These include weekly visits of the statue of St. Francis of Assisi to Small Christian Communities, as well as the "Handful of Rice" campaign, inspired by successful outreach efforts in Mizoram.
Additional projects under the Franciscan Green Homes initiative will encourage parishioners to cultivate medicinal plants, fruit-bearing trees, ornamental gardens, and to foster compassionate care for animals. A Youth Eco Ambassador programme will also seek to form young leaders through innovative hybrid training in ecological responsibility.
Recognising the vital role of digital evangelisation, the parish plans to involve young people in creating ecological awareness through reels, short films, essays, and social media campaigns. Collaboration with Catholic media platforms, including Atmadarshan TV and CCRTV, is also being explored to amplify the Season of Creation message.
Preparations are already underway for "Living Waters," a series of liturgical, educational, and community events scheduled from September 1 to October 4, 2026, in harmony with the global observance of the Season of Creation.
By embracing this mission, St. Anne's Parish, Ponda, is emerging as a vibrant model of ecological discipleship, demonstrating how faith and environmental stewardship can together nurture hope for creation and future generations.
By Kennedy D silva
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