COASTAL CARE
Faith in Action
As part of Season of Creation 2026 and the 8th Centenary Celebration of the Transitus of St. Francis of Assisi, St. Anne’s Church, Ponda, together with the Diocesan Commission for Ecology and community partners, organised two coastal clean-up initiatives at Miramar Beach and Hollant Beach.
Together, volunteers transformed the Franciscan call to care for creation into practical action along Goa’s coastline.
Volunteers
Bags of Waste
Beaches
Two Beaches. One Mission.
The first clean-up at Miramar Beach brought together nearly 38 volunteers – parishioners, teachers, professionals, young people and children. The programme began with a prayer led by Rev. Fr. Francis Rozario OFM. Volunteers worked in pairs across different sections of the beach, collecting more than 17 bags of waste along with glass bottles and other discarded material. Seven-year-old Ayesha, the youngest volunteer, was a reminder that care for creation can begin at any age.
The second and larger clean-up at Hollant Beach brought together more than 58 volunteers. Young people, community organisations, members of the Diocesan Commission for Ecology and clergy worked together to remove approximately 22 bags of waste. The strong participation demonstrated how ecological responsibility grows through collaboration beyond individual parishes.
ECOLOGICAL CONVERSION
More Than a Clean-Up
The two initiatives were about more than collecting waste. They created opportunities to speak with beachgoers about responsible waste disposal, reducing plastic use and the continuing responsibility to protect Goa's beaches and marine environment.
Both clean-ups reflected a deeper call to ecological conversion - recognising that care for creation is not an occasional activity but part of how faith is lived.
SHARED MISSION
One Coastline. One Shared Responsibility.
Across Miramar and Hollant, parishioners, clergy, children, young people, families, environmental groups and community organisations came together with one shared purpose – to care for the coastline entrusted to us.
“Two beaches. One shared mission. Care for our common home.”
WATCH THE CELEBRATION
Events – Highlights
Our Impact
Impact of the Drive
