Events

Meet Our Speaker Smita Dessai serves as the Executive Engineer at the Selaulim Irrigation Project and has extensive experience in water resource management, irrigation systems, and sustainable water conservation. Through her professional expertise, she has actively contributed to promoting responsible water management and the efficient use of natural resources. ABOUT THE EVENT Every Drop Matters The Rainwater Harvesting programme was organised to promote responsible water stewardship and encourage sustainable practices within the parish community. Through practical examples and real-life experiences, participants discovered how every household can contribute to conserving water …

Meet Our Speaker Satyavan K. Dessai is a distinguished agricultural professional who served as the Former Assistant Director of Agriculture, Government of Goa. With decades of experience in agricultural development, farmer outreach, and sustainable farming practices, he has played an important role in promoting modern, environmentally responsible agriculture across the state. ABOUT THE EVENT Growing Sustainable Livelihoods As part of the 8th Centenary celebrations, St. Anne’s Parish organised a Mushroom Cultivation Workshop to introduce parishioners to one of the simplest and most sustainable agricultural enterprises. The session encouraged participants to …

Meet Our Speaker Satyavan K. Dessai is a distinguished agricultural professional who served as the Former Assistant Director of Agriculture, Government of Goa. With decades of experience in agricultural development, farmer outreach, and sustainable farming practices, he has played an important role in promoting modern, environmentally responsible agriculture across the state. ABOUT THE EVENT Growing Opportunities with Nature As part of the 8th Centenary celebrations, St. Anne’s Parish organised an Agriculture Entrepreneurship session to encourage parishioners, youth, and families to explore sustainable livelihood opportunities rooted in agriculture. The programme highlighted …

Meet Our Speaker Fr. Anthony is the Former Secretary of the Diocesan Commission for Ecology (DCE) under the Archdiocese of Goa and Daman. As the Assistant Parish Priest of St. John the Baptist Church, Cana–Benaulim, he guided the parish youth and community in successfully organising the second edition of the Season of Creation celebrations. Specially deputed by the Archdiocese of Goa, he received advanced training in Organic Farming Practices and Ecology Management in Japan. His passion for environmental stewardship and sustainable living has inspired numerous ecological initiatives across the diocese. …

Meet Our Speaker Liza Pinheiro is a young and passionate agriculturist, entrepreneur, educator, and environmental advocate who has dedicated herself to promoting sustainable living through kitchen gardening, organic farming, composting, and ecological awareness. She is the founder of “Fruits of Hardwork” and has inspired numerous individuals, families, schools, and communities across Goa to reconnect with nature and discover the joy of growing their own food. Her commitment and innovation have earned her several recognitions, including the “Business Diva 2022” Award for Best Start-up and the “Goa Star Woman 2023” Award …

Meet Our Speaker Miguel Braganza is one of Goa’s most respected horticulturists and environmental educators, with decades of experience promoting sustainable agriculture, biodiversity, and ecological conservation. Through his practical knowledge and community outreach, he has inspired countless farmers, schools, institutions, and nature enthusiasts across the state. A passionate advocate for caring for trees beyond planting, he encourages communities to adopt simple, scientific, and sustainable practices that improve the health and longevity of plants. His sessions combine technical expertise with practical demonstrations, making tree care accessible to people of all ages. …

ABOUT THE EVENT Planting Hope for Future Generations The Tree Plantation Drive was organised by St. Anne’s Parish, Ponda as part of the 8th Centenary celebrations of St. Francis of Assisi and in observance of World Environment Day. Rooted in the Franciscan vision of care for creation, the drive brought together children, youth, families and parishioners to plant saplings on the church campus — each tree a prayer, each act of planting a gesture of hope for future generations. Inspired by the example of St. Francis, who saw in every …

About the Event A Small Offering, A Great Blessing The “Handful of Rice” initiative is built on the profound simplicity of St. Francis. Every morning, as families prepare their daily meals, they are invited to set aside a single handful of rice. These small contributions are collected through our Small Christian Communities (SCC) and Parish network. What may seem insignificant in a single home becomes a vast storehouse of providence when shared by the whole community. It is not about the quantity, but the consistency of the habit—a constant prayer …

About the Event A Ride for Creation and Harmony The Inter Faith Cycle Rally was organised as part of the 8th Centenary Celebration of St. Francis of Assisi and World Bicycle Day. More than a cycling event, it brought together children, youth, adults and senior citizens from different faith communities to promote environmental awareness, healthy living, communal harmony and care for our common home. Inspired by the Franciscan values of peace, simplicity and fraternity, the rally served as a visible witness that people from diverse backgrounds can journey together for …

About the Event Bringing the Spirit of St. Francis to Every Community From April to September 2026, the Statue of St. Francis of Assisi visits a different Small Christian Community (SCC) across St. Anne’s Parish, Ponda every Tuesday evening at 7:00 PM. Each visit brings parishioners together for prayer, reflection on Franciscan values, community fellowship and a simple shared meal — the Kanji. Inspired by the example of Francis, who gathered his first brothers in simplicity and fraternity, the SCC Fellowship is an invitation to every family to open their …