Religious in the Catholic Diocese of Goaso in Ghana took a proactive stance on environmental stewardship with a dedicated Environmental Care Day on June 15, 2024.
This initiative was part of the diocese’s response to Pope Francis’s declaration of the upcoming year as a Jubilee Year focused on the care of creation, under the theme “Send forth your Spirit and Renew the face of the earth” (Psalm 104:30).
The day-long program commenced with a symbolic tree-planting ceremony at the grounds of St. Pope John Paul II Minor Seminary and Senior High School, slated to open later this year. Participants, including students, clergy, and local residents, joined forces to plant around 200 indigenous and fruit-bearing trees.
Most Rev. Peter Kwaku Atuahene, Bishop of the Diocese, underscored the vital role of trees in sustaining life and combating climate change, while also symbolizing a “plant of vocation” for the new seminary.
Educational talks followed at St. Joseph Catholic Church in Bechem, featuring insights from environmental experts, clergy, and community leaders. Discussions centered on practical environmental protection measures, the impacts of deforestation, and the Catholic Church’s role in advocating for sustainability. Sr. Bridget Okonye, OLA, delivered a keynote address emphasizing the urgency of addressing climate change, drawing from Pope Francis’s encyclical “Laudato Si’.”
As evening fell, the community gathered for a candlelight float through Bechem, symbolizing their commitment to a greener future. Over 100 participants processed through Bechem’s main streets, culminating in the town square and returning to St. Joseph Catholic Church.
The Environmental Care Day program achieved its objectives of raising awareness and fostering community engagement in conservation efforts. It highlighted the pivotal role of religious institutions in promoting environmental stewardship, aligning closely with Pope Francis’s vision for the Jubilee Year.
The program concluded with a blessing by Most Rev. Peter Kwaku Atuahene, followed by a brief reception for participants. The Catholic Diocese of Goaso’s commitment to environmental care underscores its dedication to community well-being and sustainable practices, resonating profoundly with the spirit of Pope Francis’s Jubilee Year.
