Archdiocese Celebrates Eco Jubilee Fiesta 2025 — A Joyful Celebration of Faith, Creation, and Hope for Our Common Home

The Archdiocesan Commission for Ecology hosted the Eco Jubilee Fiesta 2025 at Paalana Bhavana, a vibrant two-day event marking the 10th anniversary of Laudato Si’ and the 800th anniversary of the Canticle of Creation of St. Francis of Assisi. Celebrated during the Jubilee Year of Hope, the fiesta brought together more than 500 participants — children, youth, parishioners, clergy,

and religious communities — for prayer, reflection, and ecological action across the Archdiocese of Bangalore.

The celebration began with an Eco Adoration and Holy Mass for the Care of Creation, inviting everyone to renew their commitment to protect our common home. The theme, “A Call to Care for Creation,” echoed throughout the event, blending faith, creativity, and responsibility for God’s creation.

The two-day fiesta was filled with competitions, exhibitions, talks, and cultural programs, where participants expressed their love for creation through art, music, and dialogue. It inspired all to become “Sowers and Pilgrims of Hope” in the spirit of the Jubilee Year 2025.

Day One Highlights

The day began with registration and a cheerful welcome by emcees Vinod Amrithraj and Dorothy.

• Eco Adoration was led by Rev. Fr. Richard Stanly, Vice Rector of Bhakti Bhavan.

• Fancy Dress Competition – “Dress Green, Speak Green!” saw children creatively present eco-themed costumes and messages. Awards like Eco Herald, Little Green Apostle, and Sower of Hope recognized the best presentations.

• Wealth Out of Waste – “Trash to Treasure” showcased youth transforming waste into useful and artistic creations.

• Input Sessions on Water Treatment and Waste Management by Mr. Ashish Paul and Mr. Leon Louis, young environmentalists, educated participants on sustainable practices.

• A colorful Cultural Programme of prayer dance, mime, and eco-themed performances added liveliness to the day.

His Grace Most Rev. Dr. Peter Machado, Archbishop of Bangalore, congratulated the children and youth, encouraging them to be “Caretakers and Stewards of God’s Creation.” He also presented the Eco Innovator, Green Guardian, and Eco Steward awards to outstanding contributors.The Archbishop celebrated the Holy Mass for the Care of Creation and released the trimonthly eco-spiritual magazine “Green Pasture”, following which saplings were distributed to all participants as symbols of hope and renewal.

Day Two Highlights

The second day began with Eco Adoration led by Rt. Rev. Joseph Susainathan, Auxiliary Bishop of Bangalore.An inspiring multimedia session titled “A Call to Care for Creation” was presented by Rev. Fr. P. V. Anthony, Secretary of the Karnataka Regional Commission for Ecology.Holy Mass for the Care of Creation was celebrated by Rev. Dr. Arokiaraj Satis Kumar, Auxiliary Bishop of Bangalore, who later presented the new edition of Green Pasture Magazine.

Mrs. Matilda Lobo, an eco-enthusiast and educator, shared practical insights on Eco-Conscious Living.The day’s Cultural Programme featured dances, mimes, tableaux, and a Special Tribute Dance by Nirmala Girls High School dedicated to St. Francis of Assisi and his prayer for peace.

During the Prize Distribution,

• The My Green Footprint Contest honored home and terrace gardeners with Green Disciple, Green Ambassador, and Green Champion awards.

• The Living the Franciscan Legacy Contest recognized religious communities for campus-based green initiatives with St. Francis of Assisi Legacy, Laudato Si’ Jubilee, and Planet Guard awards.

  
  

Under the guidance of Fr. Balraj Joseph (Secretary) and Sr. Anitha Precilla Lobo (Joint Secretary), along with the Commission members and collaborators, the event was planned and executed with dedication and creativity. The Eco Jubilee Fiesta 2025 became a memorable milestone, rekindling the Church’s mission to live out Pope Francis’ message in Laudato Si’.

Each participant went home with a sapling, a living sign of hope and commitment to care for God’s creation.