- 03 October, 2026
Mumbai, October 3, 2026: Archbishop John Rodrigues of Bombay has called on the faithful to celebrate the traditional Agera harvest feast with gratitude for farmers, solidarity with those facing agricultural hardship and a renewed commitment to care for creation.
In his Agera message, Archbishop Rodrigues thanked God for the harvest and for the continued blessings of providence, while acknowledging the hard work and perseverance of farmers who cultivate the land.
Agera is traditionally celebrated as a harvest thanksgiving in parts of Mumbai and neighbouring areas, while the feast is known as Kapni in other parts of the Archdiocese of Bombay.
“We thank the Lord for the efforts of the farmers, the hard labour that they have put in,” the Archbishop said, as he joined the faithful in celebrating the harvest.
He noted that the harvest is an occasion not only to rejoice in the fruits of agricultural labour but also to recognise the patience, sacrifice and perseverance of those who work the land. The abundance of the harvest, he said, ultimately points to God’s generosity.
“God in his kindness pours out his blessings on us,” he said, expressing gratitude for divine providence.
Prayers for farmers facing hardship
The Archbishop also used the occasion to remember farmers in other parts of Maharashtra who are facing drought and difficult agricultural conditions.
He offered prayers for them and appealed for support and assistance from different sections of society. The call added a dimension of solidarity to the harvest celebration, reminding the faithful that while some communities rejoice in an abundant harvest, others continue to struggle because of adverse conditions.
The Agera celebration, therefore, becomes an opportunity to remember and support farmers not only at times of plenty but also when their livelihoods are threatened by drought and other challenges.
Technology should serve agriculture
Archbishop Rodrigues also highlighted the role technology can play in strengthening agriculture in India.
He expressed hope that advances in technology would be increasingly directed towards agriculture and that farmers would benefit from such developments. Innovation, he suggested, should contribute to the welfare of those whose livelihoods depend on the land and help strengthen the agricultural sector.
Care for creation
The Archbishop further linked the harvest celebration with the Christian responsibility to care for creation.
He encouraged the faithful to recognise the natural world as a gift entrusted to humanity and to protect it for future generations. Gratitude for the earth’s produce, he said in effect, must go hand in hand with responsibility towards the environment.
Invoking St Francis of Assisi, the patron associated with love and care for creation, Archbishop Rodrigues sought his intercession as the faithful celebrated the harvest.
He concluded by extending his greetings and blessing to those celebrating Agera.
The Archbishop’s message brought together thanksgiving, appreciation for farmers, concern for those facing agricultural hardship, responsible use of technology and care for creation—giving the traditional harvest celebration a wider message of gratitude, solidarity and responsibility.
By Catholic Connect Reporter
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