Edgar Cardoza
Daijiworld Media Network - Udupi
Udupi, Sep 25: The youth of Kuntalnagar parish along with the parishioners on Friday September 25 organized and participated actively in a workshop on planting paddy saplings in the same fields where they had organized a diocese level inter-parish slush field sports meet on September 6.
The enthusiastic youth along with their director, Fr Denis D’Sa, parish priest and parishioners joined hands together in this event. Around 20 youth and 15 parishioners participated in the event.
The event started with a prayer and a formal welcome by Fr Denis after which all those who gathered got busy in their work.
Fr Denis along with Fr Royson Fernandes, director, ICYM, Udupi deanery also entered the fields and joined hands.
Sharing his opinion Fr Denis said that this initiative was for the sole purpose of meeting Pope Francis' call for the protection of the environment and sustaining it for the coming generations.
The youth had decided when organizing the sports meet on September 6 that they would make these fields, which have been lying barren for many years, productive.
"I was very excited as I am doing this for the first time along with some of the youth who are not familiar with planting paddy saplings. This was to make the youth understand all the hardships a farmer goes through," Fr Denis D'Sa said.
Anthony Mendonca, president, ICYM Kuntalnagar on behalf of the youth said, "This is something new. We only had an idea of the concept but now we have got an experience by involving ourselves. We hope to set an example to all the youth of this diocese through this small workshop. I take this opportunity to thank all the parishioners for guiding us in this."
Valerian Mathias, vice-president, pastoral council said that when the youth asked them to guide, they agreed instantly and they are here to do the same. Through this workshop the youth will understand the necessity of farming and practice it in the upcoming years.
Wilfred Lewis, animator, ICYM, Udupi deanery and Fr Ronson, parish priest, Katpady were also present.