Lenten Eco-Recollection in Mumbai Invites Faithful to Reflect on Ecological Sin and Care for Creation

Mumbai, March 25, 2026 — A Lenten Eco-Recollection organised by the Archdiocesan Office for Environment at the Retreat House in Bandra drew 110 participants from 24 parishes across nine deaneries, reflecting a deepening ecological awareness among the faithful shaped by prayer, reflection, and concrete action.

The gathering brought together participants from across Mumbai City, the suburbs, Thane district, and Navi Mumbai, including many members of parish Eco-cells as well as first-time attendees who learned of the initiative through parish networks and The Examiner. A group of 25 faithful travelled together from Orlem, while others journeyed from areas such as Andheri East, contributing to the event’s diverse representation.

The recollection was animated by Fr Luke Rodrigues of the Society of Jesus, who led a meditation on the Creation narrative from the Book of Genesis. Encouraging an experiential engagement, he invited participants to recall and share personal encounters with creation in small groups, fostering a spirit of communal reflection.

Participants themselves enriched the experience through reflective inputs. Andrew Williams, Elaine Fernandes, Shawna N. Rebello, and Sr Joeyanna of the Daughters of St Paul offered meditations on various elements of creation—from light and darkness to rain, stars, plants, birds, oceans, animals, and human life—deepening the assembly’s contemplation of God’s presence in the natural world.

Moments of personal prayer formed the heart of the recollection, as participants spent time in silence in the garden and by the seashore, encountering God through nature. During the Eucharistic celebration, several shared how these experiences opened them to a more profound awareness of the Creator.

In his reflections, Fr Rodrigues emphasised the need to recognise “ecological sin,” echoing a call strongly articulated by Pope Francis. He urged participants to examine their relationship with the environment and to take responsibility for actions that harm creation.

The programme also embodied its message through practice. Organisers ensured eco-friendly measures such as the avoidance of PET bottles and the use of reusable crockery and cutlery, reinforcing the call to responsible stewardship.

Care was taken to ensure inclusivity. Participants with limited mobility, who could not access outdoor spaces, were offered an alternative through nature-inspired artwork by Eco-ambassador Gwyneth Rasquinha, featuring depictions of plants, flowers, birds, and landscapes, enabling them to enter into the spirit of reflection.

With its strong participation and focus on integrating faith with ecological responsibility, the Lenten Eco-Recollection highlighted a growing commitment within the Archdiocese of Mumbai to nurture a faith that responds actively to the call to care for creation.

By Catholic Connect Reporter