Quoting “Laudato Si”, the Encyclical of Pope Francis issued seven 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, 28thMay 2022 at Mother of Sorrows Church hall Udupi.
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 Rev. Fr. Reginald Pinto, Director of Sampada and Rev. Fr. Royson Fernandes, Editor of the Diocesan Fortnightly ‘Uzvaad’.
In his introductory and welcome address, Rev. Fr. Reginald Pinto narrated the background of organizing the competition on environmental issues. Since February 2021, Fr. Reginald Pinto wrote a series of 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 1stApril 2021 and ended on 31stMarch 2022. This competition was organized to bring awareness among common men on protection of the Environment.
These articles of Rev. Fr. Reginald Pinto published in ‘Uzvaad’ were collected by Rev. Fr. Royson Fernandes in the form of a book which was released on this occasion. Rev. 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 “Uzvaad” and also republish this collection in the form of a book, ‘Amcho gaav Bhumi Vaikunt Koryam’ 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, Rev. Fr. Reginald Pinto and Rev. 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 ‘Uzvaad’ 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.
Prizes were distributed to the winners of the competition by Bishop Gerald Isaac Lobo.
The First Prize was claimed by 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, Shilapur, ShankarPura.
Rev. Fr. Paul Rego, Parish priest of St. Dominic Church, Miyar and the Dean of Karkala deanery was present on this occasion.
Mr Stanley Fernandes, Coordinator of Sampada proposed the vote of thanks and Mrs Judith D’Souza, Coordinator, Sampada compeered the programme.
