Udupi: “We must Preserve, Protect and Promote Environment to Save Mother Earth”- Bishop Gerald Lobo
By Dr. Eugene DSouza
Bellevision Media Network
Udupi, 28 May 2022: Quoting “Laudato Si”, the Encyclical of Pope Francis issued few years ago, Bishop Gerald Isaac Lobo said that we must preserve, protect and promote environment in order to save the Mother Earth for the future generations. As we take care of our own mothers so also we should take care of the Mother Earth and save her from environmental degradation. There are various ways by which we can preserve, protect and promote environment. Bishop Gerald Isaac Lobo made these observations while speaking at the prize distribution function held by Sampada on Saturday, 28 May 2022 at 10 am at the Mother of Sorrows Church hall. Prizes were distributed to the winners who had taken part in the competition based on the theme ‘Laudato Si’-Let us Save the Mother Earth”.
The programme was inaugurated by Bishop Gerald Isaac Lobo by lighting the lamp along with Fr. Reginald Pinto-Director of Sampada and Fr. Royson Fernandes-Editor of the Diocesan Fortnightly ‘Uzwaad’.
In his introductory and welcome address, Fr. Reginald Pinto narrated the background of organizing the competition on environmental issues. Since February 2021, Fr. Reginald Pinto wrote a series articles on environmental issues and making an appeal to individuals, families, institutions, associations and self-help groups to take up these issues and participate in the competition. The competition commenced from 1 April 2021 and ended on 31 March 2022.
These articles of Fr. Reginald Pinto published in “Uzwaad” were collected by Fr. Royson Fernandes in the form of a book which was released on this occasion. Fr. Royson Fernandes in his address said that being an ardent environmentalist he was quite happy to publish the series of articles of Fr. Reginald Pinto in “Uzwaad” and also republish their collection in the form of a book which would be a guide and inspiration to all those who would like to work for the betterment of the environment.
On this occasion “Sampada Udupi: District Eco-friendly Family” or “Jilla Prisara Mithra Kutumbha” Award was conferred on Arun D’Silva and his family including his mother Mrs. Benedicta D’Silva, Wife Mrs. Shilpa D’Silva and their children Shawn and Shinal of Sanoor Vilalge, Karkala belonging to the Parapady Parish. Bishop Gerald Isaac Lobo, Fr. Reginald Pinto and Fr. Royson Fernandes honoured this family. While reading the citation Fr. Reginald Pinto highlighted the various steps taken by Arun D’Silva and his family in preserving, protecting and promoting the environment.
The Bishop distributed vegetable seeds to Mrs. Marina Lewis of the Milagres Parish, Kallianpur and Mrs. Jacintha D’Souza of Belman Parish.
Mrs. Teresa Cardoza of Belman Parish narrated her experience as a participant in the competition and said that she followed the instructions given by Fr. Reginald Pinto in the series of articles published in the “Uzwaad” and increased the productivity of her coconut trees by using the organic manure that she produced by using the kitchen and vegetable waste. She had also planted additional areca nut saplings on the empty land at her disposal.
Melvyn Mascarenhas who had been providing technical support to Sampada during the yearlong competition was honoured by Bishop Gerald Isaac Lobo, Fr. Reginald Pinto and Fr. Royson Fernandes.
Prizes were distributed to the winners of the competition by Bishop Gerald Isaac Lobo.
The Frist Prize was claimed by the Jyothi Self-help Group of Pathonjikatte, Karkala Town with 20 members.
The Second Prize was awarded to the Chaitanya Mahasangha, Miyar, Karkala Taluk with 14 Self-help Groups comprising of nearly 250 members.
The Third Prize was given to: 1. St. Cecily’s Convent, Udupi; 2. Mrs. Jacintha D’Souza, Belman, 3. Nagesh Kamath, Katapadi and 4. Mrs. Pricilla D’Mello, Sholapur, Shankar Pura.
Fr. Paul Rego, Parish priest of St. Dominic Church, Miyar and the Dean of Karkala deanery was present on this occasion.
Stanley Fernandes, Coordinator of Sampada proposed the vote of thanks and Judith D’Souza, Coordinator in Sampada compered the programme.