Religious sisters in Goa, India, planted more than 20 saplings to honor their founder’s ecological vision as debate intensifies over the felling of hundreds of trees for development projects across the state.
The June 18 activity in Sancoale was organized by the Congregation of the Holy Family of Nazareth as part of the annual Vana Mahotsav festival, following celebrations marking the congregation’s 91st anniversary of foundation.
The initiative drew inspiration from the legacy of the congregation’s founder, Fr. Faustinho de Souza, who promoted tree planting and environmental stewardship decades before ecological concerns became part of mainstream public discourse.
According to the congregation, one of Fr. de Souza’s most notable efforts took place during his assignment at St. Francis Xavier Chapel in Duler.
Faced with an overgrown area avoided by many local residents, he mobilized young people to clear the site, plant trees, and care for them. The effort gradually transformed the once-neglected space into a place where community life flourished.
The tree-planting activity comes as Goa continues to witness public debate over development projects that have led to the cutting of more than 400 trees for road-widening works and flyover construction. Environmental advocates and residents have challenged several of the projects, raising concerns over the state’s diminishing green cover.
Sr. Berna Rodrigues, superior general of the congregation, led the activity alongside Sr. Estella Pereira, community animator, and Sr. Neves Azavedo, the senior-most sister in the community.
They were joined by teachers and students from St. Joseph Vaz High School, sisters in formation, congregation members, and support staff.
Participants planted a variety of fruit-bearing, medicinal, and spice trees, including mango, jackfruit, lemon, custard apple, bullheart, kokum, love apple, neem, tamarind, and cinnamon, species selected to support local biodiversity.
The participants also watered the saplings and committed to caring for them as they grow.
The environmental initiative followed the congregation’s June 16 anniversary observance at Holy Family Convent in Sancoale, where members reflected on their history and mission as they entered their 92nd year.
During the Eucharistic celebration marking the anniversary, Rev. Fr. Rex Fernandes, SFX, urged the sisters to remain rooted in prayer, community life, and missionary witness.
