Media Release

Moodbidri, Jul 9: Under the leadership of the Catholic Sabha Mangalore Pradesh, Catholic Sabha Moodbidri Varado, and all other associated Units, and in collaboration with the forest department of Moodbidri, Environment Day was celebrated with great enthusiasm on July 6 at Mount Rosary Institute, Alangar, Moodbidri.

The day began with a solemn Eucharistic celebration, invoking God’s blessings for the success of the event and the well-being of nature.

The stage programme commenced with an inspiring environmental song, setting the tone for the day’s activities. Fr Onil D’Souza, parish priest of Corpus Christi Church, Moodbidri, blessed the gathering.

The function was inaugurated by the Honorable Member of Legislative council of Karnataka, Ivan D’Souza. In his address, he stressed the urgent need to live in harmony with the environment to prevent natural disasters and floods. He also proposed a meaningful initiative: that each of the 18,000 Catholic Sabha members should plant and nurture a sapling as a gift to nature.

The president of the Catholic Sabha Moodbidri Varado and central joint secretary, Alwyn Rodrigues, extended a warm welcome to the gathering. The event was presided over by Santhosh D’Souza, president of the Catholic Sabha Mangalore Pradesh.

Delivering his message on environmental protection, DFO Mr Antony Mariappa emphasized the importance of saving our environment for future generations. As a symbolic gesture of commitment, he planted and watered a Red Sandalwood sapling.

The forest officer, Kiran Kumar, generously donated several healthy saplings and assured continuous support by providing manure for the next three years. He shared valuable insights on practical ways to protect and nurture the environment.

On this memorable occasion, Monsignor Edwin Pinto, director of Mount Rosary Ashram and founder of the Congregation of Helpers, was felicitated in recognition of his selfless contributions. Sonia D’Souza read the letter of honour on behalf of the gathering.

The former president of the Catholic Sabha Mangalore Pradesh and mentor to the office bearers, Paul Rolfy D’Costa, delivered an inspiring introductory message.

Distinguished guests and leaders present at the event included Sister Sunita D’Souza, superior general of the Helpers of Mount Rosary; Lancy Mascarenhas, coordinator of the environment committee, Mable Lobo, president of the Catholic Sabha Alangar unit; Lancy Lobo, coordinator of the Moodbidri Varado, Roshan Miranda, secretary of the Catholic Sabha Moodbidri Varado, along with Central Catholic Sabha office bearers, former presidents, members, secretaries, office bearers and members of the Moodbidri unit, presidents, office bearers, and committee members of eleven Catholic Sabha units, and several environment enthusiasts.

The programme concluded with the planting of various saplings around the Mount Rosary Institution, leaving a lasting mark of the day’s commitment towards a greener future.