Laudato Si’ Ecological Exposure Programme Held in Mangalore for Philosophy Students

Mangalore, August 22, 2025: The philosophy students of St. Joseph’s Institute of Philosophy (SJIP), studying at St. Joseph’s Interdiocesan Seminary (SJS), Jeppu, Mangalore, in collaboration with the Catholic Association of South Kanara (CASK Centenary Trust) and the Chair in Christianity, Mangalore University, undertook an ecological exposure visit on August 21 to the Kanthavara Forest Base Camp at the foothills of the Western Ghats.

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The programme aimed to foster an appreciation for the beauty of creation and deepen understanding of Laudato Si’, Pope Francis’ encyclical on care for our common home. An orientation session was held at Kanthavara Grama, highlighting the importance of preserving the reserve forest. The Broken Forest Tour allowed students to immerse themselves in nature. The sessions addressed the causes of deforestation, urban animal encroachment, the biodiversity crisis, and the real sources of water, reminding participants not to assume that humans are “smarter than nature.” A visit to the Bamboosetum, featuring 68 varieties of bamboo, demonstrated that bamboo produces 30% more oxygen than other plants.

The scientific and spiritual dimensions of Laudato Si’ were then explored. Environmentalists highlighted that capitalism poses a greater threat to ecology than religion. Pope Francis, in writing Laudato Si’, sought to identify the suffering of creation and humanity, emphasising four essential themes: the problem, ownership, carrying capacity, and healing and conversion.

Students also visited the Broken Forest, participating in the planting of saplings as a symbolic act of renewal and hope at the Francis Miyawaki View Point. The sessions concluded with reflections on love, drawing from St. Augustine’s words: “Love God and do whatever you please: for the soul trained in love to God will do nothing to offend the One who is Beloved.”

In the evening, a felicitation programme was held to thank the CASK Centenary Trust (CCT), which supported the exposure morally and financially. Guests included Mr. Richard C. Rodriguez (Managing Trustee), Dr. Derek Antony Lobo (Secretary), Mr. Norbert N. Shenoy (Treasurer), Ms. Clotilda Shenoy, Ms. Patricia Lobo, and Ms. Patricia Mathias. The Rector of St. Joseph’s Seminary acknowledged CCT’s support in the formation of students and expressed gratitude. Students shared their enriching experiences from the day, recognising the contributions of Arun Shenoy, Jeeth Milan Roche, Fr. Richard, and many others who helped make the programme a success.

Laudato Si’ Ecological Exposure Programme Held in Mangalore for Philosophy Students

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