Mangaluru: The Indian Catholic Youth Movement (ICYM) of the Mangalore Diocese, under the banner of St. Peter City Deanery, has launched a unique eco-friendly campaign titled 'Roots of Care' to promote environmental conservation.
As part of this initiative, ICYM members from 12 parishes within the St. Peter City Deanery have planted saplings, with each parish entrusted with nurturing their plant over the course of a year. The plants’ growth and health will be assessed at the end of the year, and the best-performing parish will be awarded accordingly.
The program was officially inaugurated at St. Teresa Church, Paldane, on Sunday, August 3, by Rev. Fr. Richard Aloysius Coelho, the parish priest, who symbolically planted a guava sapling in the church premises.
In his message, Fr. Coelho emphasized the need for youth to be more conscious about the environment. He said, “If the youth commit themselves to it, they can contribute significantly to preserving nature by planting trees every year.”
The event was graced by Ryan Marcel Noronha, President of City Deanery ICYM; Vileesha Braggs, President of the local unit; Vishel Lobo, Secretary; and Elias Fernandes, Vice President of the Church Pastoral Council.