Together We Care, Together We Restore: Celebration of the World Environment Day

In a vibrant celebration of World Environment Day, the Archdiocesan Commission for Ecology with St. Charles PU College, Bengaluru organized a meaningful and inspiring programme that brought together Church leaders, environmental advocates, educators, and students in a shared commitment to care for our common home.

The celebration commenced with a grand welcome for the guests: Bishop Joseph Susainathan - Auxiliary Bishop and Chairman of the Commission for Ecology; Fr. Balraj Joseph - Secretary of the Commission for Ecology, Sr Precilla Lobo - the Joint Secretary; Mr. Paul Kosh - Co-founder and Managing Director of Unified Intelligence and advisor on infrastructure development and Mrs. Monisha Lobo - the RTRA Committee Member for solid waste management. They were joined by the college management, Sr. Rita Varghese – Provincial Superior, Sr. Lucy Mascarenhas -Manager, Sr. Sheela Cruz – Councillor for Education and Sr. Elizabeth Leo - the Principal of the College.

The dignitaries were welcomed with band fanfare and escorted by students who presented a series of rhythmic and breathtaking cultural performances. The dances beautifully blended themes of nature, environmental stewardship and Indian cultural heritage, setting the tone for the day's celebration.

As a symbolic gesture of commitment to nurturing the earth, the guests planted and watered saplings, reaffirming the collective responsibility to protect and sustain the environment for future generations.

The programme formally began with a devotional invocation dance by the students. In her welcome address, Principal Sr. Elizabeth Leo warmly greeted the gathering and presented saplings as symbols of green welcome, sustainability and hope. The theme of World Environment Day was then unveiled through the release of the official logo by the dignitaries.

One of the highlights of the programme was a powerful mime presentation by the students titled “Together We Can Restore the Earth.” Through their creative performance, the students conveyed a compelling message on environmental conservation and the urgent need for collective action.

Addressing the gathering, Bishop Joseph Susainathan expressed his appreciation for the students' dedication and creativity. Deeply moved by the presentations, he delivered an inspiring message encouraging young people to become aware, enlightened and action-oriented custodians of creation. He urged them to take responsibility for the environment and become agents of positive change in society.

The college choir enriched the celebration with melodious renditions that highlighted humanity’s responsibility to heal and protect the earth. Their songs echoed the call for ecological conversion and sustainable living.

A significant moment of the event was the launch of the Archdiocesan Green Church Project. Fr. Balraj Joseph and Mr. Paul Koshy, who have been closely associated with the Green Church initiative at Attibele, addressed the gathering and inaugurated the project by depositing plastic waste into a collection bin. They invited the students and the wider community to contribute clean plastic waste as part of an innovative initiative that promotes responsible waste management and environmental sustainability.

The celebration also witnessed the inauguration of the Old Clothes Collection Drive under the theme “Give Your Clothes a Second Chance.” Sr. Rita Varghese and Sr. Lucy Mascarenhas formally launched the initiative, encouraging participants to embrace reduce, recycle and reuse textile waste through responsible consumption.

Adding colour and inspiration to the event was a spectacular environmental celebration dance that paid tribute to St. Francis of Assisi, the Patron Saint of Ecology, in the year marking the eighth centenary of his timeless Canticle of Creation. The performance beautifully captured his spirit of gratitude and reverence for all of God's creation.

The programme concluded with a heartfelt vote of thanks, followed by a visit to the student exhibition titled “Wealth out of Waste,” which showcased innovative and creative products made from recycled materials. The exhibition reflected the students’ commitment to environmental responsibility and demonstrated practical ways of transforming waste into valuable resources.

The World Environment Day celebration at St. Charles PU College served as a powerful reminder that caring for creation is a shared mission. Through prayer, creativity, awareness and action, the event inspired all present to become responsible stewards of the earth and active participants in building a greener and more sustainable future.

 Sr. Precilla Lobo

Joint Secretary – Commission for Ecology

Archdiocese of Bangalore