Events

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. 95+ Volunteers 39+ Bags of Waste 2 Beaches Two Beaches. One Mission. MIRAMAR BEACH · 12 September 2026 · 38 Volunteers · 17+ Bags …

ECOLOGY & EDUCATION Faith, Science & Our Common Home The Rev. Dr. Fr. Bolmax Pereira Memorial Lecture brought together faith, science and environmental action, continuing the ecological vision and legacy of Rev. Dr. Fr. Bolmax Pereira (1976-2026). Parishioners, students, teachers, environmentalists, researchers and academicians gathered to reflect on the environmental challenges facing Goa and the responsibility of communities to respond. 100+ Participants Parishioners, students, teachers and environmentalists 2 Distinguished Speakers Climate science and community action perspectives Faith & Science United for Creation Climate Change & Goa Dr. Roxy Mathew Koll …

ECOLOGY & EDUCATION A Quiz with a Purpose The Rev. Fr. Dr. Bolmax Pereira Memorial Inter-School Ecology Quiz brought together students from across Goa to celebrate ecological knowledge, responsibility and action. Organised in memory of Rev. Fr. Dr. Bolmax Pereira (1976–2026), the initiative sought to continue his commitment to ecology, education, faith and care for our common home by inspiring a new generation of environmentally responsible young people. Organised by St. Anne’s Church, Ponda 8th Centenary Committee in collaboration with the Diocesan Commission for Ecology, Archdiocesan Board of Education and …

ABOUT THE EVENT Celebrating Goa’s Tree of Life World Coconut Day brought the parish community together to celebrate the coconut – not merely as a fruit, but as an important part of Goa’s food, homes, livelihoods, traditions and sustainable way of life. DATE 2 Sept 2026 OCCASION World Coconut Day THEME The Coconut – Goa’s Tree of Life. CREATIVITY & CREATION Young Hands, Creative Ideas Catechism children added a creative dimension through stalls displaying artwork made using coconut shells, husks, leaves and natural materials – showing how creativity, reuse and …

ABOUT THE EVENT A Season of Creation Begins St. Anne’s Parish, Ponda officially opened the Season of Creation 2026, beginning a parish-wide journey of prayer, reflection and ecological action. The celebration also marked the launch of the 40 Days of Ecology Action. DATE 1 Sept 2026 OCCASION Season of Creation THEME Living Water Opening & Eucharistic Celebration Opening & Eucharistic Celebration The Season of Creation 2026 was officially inaugurated by Most Rev. Simião Purificação Fernandes, Auxiliary Bishop of Goa and Daman, who also presided over the Eucharistic celebration. In his …

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 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 …