Holy Rosary Parish in Ajara, Maharashtra Plants Over 2,400 Saplings to Mark Jubilee Year

Ajara, Maharashtra, July 27, 2025 : In a notable act of environmental responsibility and spiritual celebration, Holy Rosary Church in Ajara, a small village parish in the Diocese of Sindhudurg, Maharashtra, has undertaken a large-scale tree-planting drive on Saturday, as part of its Jubilee Year 2025 observances.

The initiative, led by parish priest Fr. Melwin Pais, initially aimed to plant 2,025 saplings — a number symbolising the Jubilee Year. However, the parish has already exceeded this target, with more than 2,400 saplings now rooted across the parish and surrounding areas.

“I was struck by how few trees we had in our area,” Fr. Pais shared. “This inspired me to initiate a project that would not only honour the Jubilee Year but also contribute meaningfully to the environment. Our aim is twofold: to deepen our spiritual care for creation and to enrich the region with a lasting ecological legacy.”

The campaign features a diverse selection of trees, including teakwood, mango, chikoo, jackfruit, bamboo, lemon, and dalchini (cinnamon). These varieties were carefully chosen for their dual benefits — high oxygen yield and fruit-bearing potential, aligning environmental sustainability with community utility.

Support for the project came from various quarters. Parish council members, students, and the staff of Rosary English Medium School played key roles in its success, with special appreciation extended to the school’s principal, Fr. Anthony D’Souza. Their combined contributions—both financial and logistical—helped bring the vision to life.

Responsibility for the ongoing care of the saplings has been entrusted to parishioners and students, who have embraced the mission with great commitment. “This is not just about planting trees,” noted Fr. Pais. “It’s about cultivating a culture of responsibility towards our common home.”

What began as a symbolic gesture marking the Jubilee Year has grown into a thriving ecological and spiritual undertaking. “It has blossomed into a vibrant sign of hope and sustainability — rooted in faith and bearing fruit for generations to come,” Fr. Pais said.

The initiative stands as a testament to how small communities can lead the way in environmental action, blending faith-based motivation with practical impact in addressing the global call to care for creation.

By Benwen Lopez

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