The humanity has witnessed so many disasters from the very outset of its existence. We the novices have created the Crib drawing examples from the Bible, the first would be the proto punishment of the great flood and the symbol of redemption - Noah’s ark. The man was sinful and corrupt in the sight of God. God felt sorry that He created man, so He sent a big disaster upon the world. But, God didn’t forget the righteous. The righteous Noah, finding favour in the sight of God, was entrusted to build an ark to spare the universe. With the great flood, God resolves not to cast such a disaster upon humans again. But man provokes the patience of God again through immoral life. The decadence of Sodom and Gomorrah is an example for this. God destroyed the people and the cities, but spared the righteous family of Lot. The example of Lot’s wife, becoming salt pillar by turning back, reminds us not to doubt the promises of God.

Another personality, who manifests the fruit of trust, is job. Job was an innocent and God fearing man, yet, he had to suffer. Amidst all his sufferings, Job reminds us that God still loves us, He wants us to love Him above all that we have, and our own selves. Trust the Lord alone even amidst all the pains and sufferings. 

In the postmodern world, a world of selfishness and self-centeredness, small virus like corona teaches us that how much ever proud we are about our achievements, yet there remain some realities that are above us. Yet it could not devour the world, for God alone knows how deep His love is for humanity. In a world of hopelessness, a Saviour is born as a ray of hope, bringing consolation to the world. Jesus Christ is the hope, and the answer to all our questions.

God loves us and substitutes his invisible healing hands, through the visible hands of Doctors and Nurses. Yet this villain, in his invasion, remains defeated, it is because of the service and battle fought by the doctors and nurses.

The postmodern world has forgotten that they are social animals and are interdependent. The reality of Corona has broken the walls of individualism and indifference by making a culture of interdependence. Many institutions opened their closed doors of their institutions and hearts for the people, the food and the materials were shared among the poor and the needy, the family relationship was strengthened by finding time for one another, and the closed factories reduced the pollution and the contamination. Hence, corona isn’t God’s punishment but a reminder that we are all brothers and sisters.

The Province of Bangalore celebrated its 10th Provincial Chapter from 6th to 12th December 2020 at Claretian Seminary Malleswaram. It was a moment of grace for all the 42 chapter participants and the province as a whole under the leadership of Superior General, Rev. Fr. Mathew Vattamattam, the President of the Chapter.

Beginning with a day of recollection and prayer the Chapter proceeded with evaluative and envisioning phase with conversations, sharing, discussions and presentations.

On 10th December the new Provincial Government was elected – Rev. Fr. John (Sabu) Koottarappallil as the Provincial Superior and Frs. John Payikkattu, Siby Eravimangalam, Xavier Pereira and Jaipaul Thumma as the consultors.

With the new Provincial Government in place it was time for planning and setting up of a roadmap for the future. The Chapter was concluded on 12th December with renewed enthusiasm of being missionaries – marching together.

Claretian Bible Ministry Province of Bangalore, released Telugu Christian Devotional Songs: Aaradhana Neeke Yesayya (Adore You Jesus) by Rev.Fr. Mathew Vattamattam Superior General and Fr. Jose Koonamparambil Delegate superior. Lyrics and Music by Fr. Santhosh CMF. Orchestration: Samuel Raj.

Jharkhand, India: On 28th October 2020 Deacon Yashveer Minj CMF was conferred the Holy Order of Priesthood by Most Rev. Anand Jojo, the Apostolic Administrator of Daltonganj diocese. The celebration was a joint event, along with Yashveer another diocesan Deacon too received the priestly ordination at St. Joseph’s Community College premises, Chandwa, Jharkhand. Due to ongoing restrictions of Covid-19 many could not be present physically for the celebration; however a few Claretian confreres, diocesan clergy and family members of the new priests joined the celebration.

On 8th October 2020 Deacon Joseph (Sandeep) Ottaplackil CMF was conferred the Holy Order of Priesthood by Most Rev. Lawrence Mukkuzhy, Bishop of Belthangady. The celebration took place at the native parish of Sandeep, St. Thomas Church, Gandibagilu, in Karnataka, India. Owing to ongoing restrictions of Covid-19 many could not be present physically for the celebration; however a few Claretian confreres, diocesan clergy and family members took part in the holy event. According to the Syro-Malabar liturgy, first the rite of ordination took place then the newly ordained priest, Sandeep presided at the Eucharist.

It has been the desire of ICL: Institute of Consecrated Life – Sanyasa for a quite a long time to contribute intellectually to the consecrated persons of India by publishing scholarly books on the themes related to Consecrated Life in English under “Consecrated Life Series”. It is an initiative of ICL in collaboration with Claretian Publications, Bangalore to re-vision consecrated life and to help consecrated persons to understand more clearly their identity, life, mission and relevance. It seeks to promote and bring together the efforts of all those who are committed to the re-visioning and renewal of Consecrated life. This joint effort with the vision and active guidance of Rev. Fr. Henry Omonisaye, CMF, General Consultor in-charge for the Claretian Higher Ecclesiastical Institutes achieved its first milestone on 24th September, 2020 by the release of the book of Rev. Fr. José Cristo Rey García Paredes, CMF, a renowned Claretian theologian from Spain. The book is titled Consecrated Life as a Parable of the Kingdom in two volumes. The first volume which deals topics like “Foundational Charismatic Roots and Identity”, “Prayer in Consecrated Life”, “Progressing in Consecrated Life” and “Conformity with Jesus”, was released by Rev. Fr. Jose Koonamparampil, CMF, the Major Superior of Bangalore Province. The first copy was received by Fr. George Panthalanickal, CMF.  

The second volume which presents topics such as “Celibacy Virginity for the Kingdom of God”, “Poverty for the Kingdom”, “Obedience for the Kingdom”, “Religious Community as a Parable of Love” and “Consecrated Men and Women in the Mission of the Church” was released by Fr. George Mattathil, CMF, the Provincial Prefect of Formation, Bangalore province. The first copy of the second volume was received by Fr. Michael Plamparambil, CMF.

Four more books are already with the Claretian Publications getting ready for printing. ICL is very grateful to the General Government of our esteemed Congregation for its encouragement and financial assistance in realising this project. ICL also thankfully remembers Claretian Publications, Bangalore on this memorable occasion.    

The provicne of Bangalore releases eight songs on the occasion of the conclusion of the Jubilee year - 50 years of the claretian presence in India. 

The long cherished dream on Vocation and Formation titled Daivaviliyum Velluvilikalum (Vocation and Challenges) in Malayalam was published by Claretian Publications Bangalore and was released by Rev. Fr. Peter D’Souza, Provincial Vicar, on 3rd July 2020 at Provincial Curia Malleswaram.

According to the author:

1. This book is to motivate the priests and the seminarians as we face many challenges and problems in the Church, and it can be a guiding factor in the formation.
2. It gives the right understanding about the priestly life and formation, and the response of the Church to the present challenges in the Church.
3. This book tries to encourage and attract the youth to the priestly life.
4. It provides certain solutions and consolations to the questions of the lay faithful as the look at the priesthood based on the scandals and challenges.
5. It can be used for vocation promotion.

We were quite heartbroken with the overnight imposition of lockdown. Seminarians were dejected as all the holiday plans were shattered and tickets cancelled. With the summer at our doors, water scarcity was looming large over the seminary and we were not prepared to overcome the same. After that came the stricter rules of lockdown including social distancing. To add to our misery, Belagavi district was declared a red zone with a lot COVID-19 positive cases around us.

Being in the Lenten Season, more intense prayers became a way of life for us. We wholeheartedly prayed to the Almighty to help the mankind to find a solution for the terrific pandemic that spread like wildfire across the continents. Holy Week and other celebrations were minimized following the government directives. Of course we concentrated more on spirituality and less on the external celebrations. We always made it a point to strictly observe the social distancing norms and hygiene advisories. We were not going out of the campus nor allowing anybody to come inside.

On the Wednesday after Palm Sunday, came the sad news about demise of Fr. Julio Vivas CMF from Spain. We embraced our spirits and permitted the same to grow stronger. Thus we could observe the memorials of Jesus’ last supper, passion, death and resurrection in more meaningful and prayerful way. Thank God, we were lucky to have abundant rain on Good Friday and indeed felt the same as showers of blessing from above; with this we were hopeful of overcoming the water scarcity.

As we restricted ourselves to our campus due to extended lockdowns, we planned diligently to make use of the time and resources. We ourselves carried out different works including cleaning the whole campus, repairing the fencing around the property, emptying the garbage tanks, sorting out the items, keeping them in separate tanks that we made with stones and mud, preparing the land for cultivation, planting vegetables and grains and fruit trees, deepening the existing canal to preserve the rain water, digging a new canal towards the open well to increase the water source, etc.  We also manufactured some cattle fodder on our own in order to reduce purchase from market. Similarly, we have prepared enough organic manure for our garden, vegetable garden and seasonal food crops for the forthcoming season. We learnt great lessons in self-reliance care of mother earth.

Inspired by the news of our Claretian companions and many others doing a lot of humanitarian works, we felt very helpless, as the lockdown orders forced us to remain indoors. The young seminarians initially displayed some feelings of homesickness, but got used to the rhythm with prayer and work schedule. Every member cooperated to make it meaningful experience.

Online prayer being the new normal, the community were very happy to join in prayers with Pope Francis for the intention of alleviating the suffering of mankind caused by COVID-19. Being in our own space, we could also devoutly join the diocese to have Eucharistic adoration combined with Holy Rosary for the month of May. Indeed, with right attitude and intention we were able to turn hard times into blessings and learning.

Fr. Thomas Thennadiyil was conferred doctoral degree in Organizational Leadership from the University of the Incarnate Word, San Antonio, Texas, United States during the virtual Commencement ceremony (due to COVID 19) held on Saturday, May 30, 2020.

Earlier on February 20, 2020, Fr. Thomas had successfully defended his dissertation titled, Integrating the Mission and Identity of Catholic Universities: An Interpretative Phenomenological Analysis of Academic Lay Leaders. His research was an explorative study of how lay leaders in the three Catholic universities of San Antonio, Texas, United States: Our Lady of the Lake University, St. Mary’s University, and the University of the Incarnate Word integrate the mission and identity of the university they are part of.

We congratulate Fr. Thomas on the successful completion of PhD and we thank the U.S. and Canada Province of the Claretians for sponsoring and supporting Fr. Thomas during his stay and study in U.S.

Bangalore: COVID-19 has kept almost all the world confined to some specific physical spaces. However the spirit moves without boundaries and limitations. This year the Pentecost Sunday was to be a great event for Claretians in India but for COVID-19 lockdown. The day coincided with the Professions and Renewal of Vows for Claretians in India.

In spite of the uncertainties due to the travel restrictions in place for almost three months, our Students, held up at different places, prepared well for their renewals and professions. The usual coming together of students from different organisms could not be realised this year. The retreats and renewal programmes were scattered to different locations; some had it even individually under the guidance of the available formator.

The suffering and pain of the millions of people due to the Coronavirus and the sacrifices and hard work of thousands of medical workers gave a new meaning to the Vows we pronounce. Sure the solemnity of Pentecost added more grace to the whole event. Held at different centres, Bangalore Province had four postulants entering the Novitiate; four Novices making their First Profession; nine Students renewing their Vows and two students making their Perpetual commitment.

On 29th February 2020, a Science Exhibition was organized at St. Claret E.M. High School Kurnool to commemorate Sir. C.V. Raman who discovered the Raman Effect.  The exhibition was inaugurated jointly by Sri. M Srinivasalu, the Mandal Educational Officer of Kallur Mandal and S.I. Rammaiah of fourth town. The Principal of the School Fr. Irudayaswamy, Manager Fr. Isidore Toppo and Vice Principal Fr. John Bosco were present along with the teaching staff.

Children from all classes presented their Models, Art and Craft and innovative ideas to the parents and to the visitors who appreciated the children for their creative expressions and innovative models. Speaking on the occasion M.E.O. Sri. M Srinivasalu said that St. Claret School is providing excellent opportunity for the children to enhance their knowledge and skills and the atmosphere and the infrastructure available for the children are excellent.

Much awaited day finally dawned as the Claretian Seminary celebrated the “YSM Day 2020” on 13th February 2020, under the title “Our Environment is Our Life”. The title was chosen foreseeing the necessity to consceintize the young minds on the issues faced by our Mother Earth.  This event marked the culmination of the School Ministry undertaken by the students every year in order to impart moral and value-based education to the students under the banner of YSM (Young Students Movement), while equipping the seminarians in formation with organizational competencies. The seminarians put in their heart and souls to bring the event to a grant success.  The distinguished guests of the day included Fr. Rayappa Kasi, a renowned conservationist, Fr. Joseph Susainathan, YSM secretary, Archdiocese of Bangalore, Fr. Varghese Karukulathel CMF and other speakers.

There were 186 students from various schools who participated actively showing keen interest with innovative ideas to protect and preserve our Mother Earth and her bio-diversity. In his address, Chief Guest Fr. Rayappa Kasi emphasized that the young generation of millennials should unlearn many aspects of consumerist generation where everything is evaluated in terms of economic growth, without regard for Mother Earth. Fr. Varghese Karukulathel CMF exhorted students to make self-discipline as important aspect of life. The students themselves exhibited their aptitudes through various competitions and were given the prizes for further enhancement. This day was one of the significant milestones in the academic year of 2019-20, while imparting to students the YSM values: “See, Judge and Act” in preservation and conservation of Mother Earth.

The youth of the Nallajerla Parish had a great day on 2nd February 2020 under the guidance of Regional Youth Coordinator of the province, Rev. Fr. Mamudhu Chinnanna CMF. There were 110 youth who participated in the programme.

The theme for the day was “Do the present youth have the Right Direction”. The activities began with the celebration of the solemn Eucharist and was followed by various sessions of inputs, interactions, games, etc. Fr. Chinnanna enlightened the youth on day’s theme, interacting with them about the challenges that they face due to lack proper direction and helped them to choose the right direction from the Claretian perspective through the Word of God.

It was also a great opportunity for the youth of the parish to listen to Rev. Fr. David, the Youth Director of Eluru diocese. Fr. David inspired them to think about the present situation of the country and the role of the youth in the situation. He urged the youth to venture into the society with their catholic identity respecting oneself and parents in their life.

Rev. Fr. Prasad CMF, Parish Priest, with the other Claretians from the community organized the event and actively participated and interacted with the youth.

Pope Francis through Motu Proprio Apostolic Letter “Aperuit Illis”, published on 30 September 2019, instituted the third Sunday in ordinary time as the “SUNDAY OF THE WORD OF GOD”. The letter reads:

“At the conclusion of the Extraordinary Jubilee of Mercy, I proposed setting aside “a Sunday given over entirely to the word of God, so as to appreciate the inexhaustible riches contained in that constant dialogue between the Lord and his people” (Misericordia et Misera, 7). Devoting a specific Sunday of the liturgical year to the word of God can enable the Church to experience anew how the risen Lord opens up for us the treasury of his word and enables us to proclaim its unfathomable riches before the world…

With this Letter, I wish to respond to the many requests I have received from the people of God that the entire Church celebrate, in unity of purpose, a Sunday of the Word of God. It is now common for the Christian community to set aside moments to reflect on the great importance of the word of God for everyday living. The various local Churches have undertaken a wealth of initiatives to make the sacred Scripture more accessible to believers, to increase their gratitude for so great a gift, and to help them to strive daily to embody and bear witness to its teachings…

Consequently, I hereby declare that the Third Sunday in Ordinary Time is to be devoted to the celebration, study and dissemination of the word of God. This Sunday of the Word of God will thus be a fitting part of that time of the year when we are encouraged to strengthen our bonds with the Jewish people and to pray for Christian unity. This is more than a temporal coincidence: the celebration of the Sunday of the Word of God has ecumenical value, since the Scriptures point out, for those who listen, the path to authentic and firm unity.”

Responding to this, we in Bhattiprolu, Christ the Redeemer Church, on 26th January celebrated the Sunday of the Word of God. The celebration included Bible Procession, Enthronement of the Holy Bible followed by Holy Eucharist and breaking of the Word, etc. In his homily Fr. Santhosh preached on the importance of the Word of God in our day today life. People who still did not have a Bible had the privilege to get it on the occasion.

January 19, 2020 was a day of thanksgiving and great rejoicing for the Claretians and the Catholic community at Narasannapetta. On this day, the Annual Feast of Infant Jesus church and the Silver Jubilee of the Claretian presence at Narasannapetta was jointly celebrated with due solemnity. The Claretians have now reached the fullness of the silver jubilee of its presence and involvement in the pastoral, social and educational ministries at Narasannapeta since its foundation in the year 1995. The celebrations were scheduled for the evening and the assembly extended a very warm welcome to the mail celebrant of the day, Most Rev. Dr. Rayarala Vijayakumar PIME, Bishop of Srikakulam Diocese, on his maiden visit to the parish. Rev. Fr. Tom Vellappattu, Prefect of Youth and Vocation Ministry represented the Claretian provincial council (Bangalore province) along with many Claretian confreres from different communities of Andhra and Telangana region.

The solemn Holy Eucharist was concelebrated in the parish church which was fittingly adorned for the occasion, with a good number of diocesan and religious priests, and a large number of religious and faithful who participated joyfully and devoutly.  In his message, the Bishop was full of praise and appreciation for the pioneer missionaries, for the struggles and challenges they might have come across in the initial stages of the mission. Though the area doesn’t have a strong catholic presence, the impact of our presence in the society is to be appreciated.  Bishop expressed his mind that by way of imparting quality education, we can be real witnesses to the Christian truths and values to the students and to the society at large. Based on the Gospel of the day, Bishop further inspired the assembly as he dealt on the character of   John the Baptist, who courageously and selflessly proclaimed our Lord Jesus to the world.  After the Holy Eucharist, Bishop Rayarala Vijayakumar, Rev. Fr. Tom Vellappattu CMF, the pioneer missionaries and the dignitaries were felicitated by the Parish priest Fr. James Madappatt CMF, and the parish council members. The celebrations ended with a spectacular fireworks and fellowship meal.

Regional youth gathering for Hindi area was organized at Barikhajuri parish on 14 December 2019. Youth from Barwadih and Barikhajuri parishes were the main participants. Youth from nearby parishes and schools also participated in the event. Bible Quiz, Christmas Carols and Christmas Messages were the highlight of the day. It was a well-organized event and all the participants were enthusiastic.  It was the fruit of team work by various coordinators. Regional coordinator Fr. Siby Eravimangalam, Barikhajuri parish youth coordinator Fr. Sunil CP,  Frs. Regi Pymattathil, Martin  Mankunnath and other Claretians from the region worked with enthusiasm to make the event a great success. Fr. Tom Vellappattu, the Prefect of Youth and Vocation Ministry, too participated in the programme.

As Part of the Golden Jubilee Celebrations of Claretian Presence in India, on 18-22 November 2019, a renewal programme for the priests between 10 to 15 years was held at Claret Nivas Carmelaram. A total of 48 priests from five Major Organisms of India participated in the refresher encounter.

The programme, aimed at bringing together the members who have completed 10 to 15 years of their priesthood, included various sessions of input and sharing. Fr. Jacob Parapally MSFS inspired the priests through his thought provoking seminar on Living a Meaningful Life as Consecrated Priests. Fr. Joy Puthusery ISCH refreshed them on the topic Psychosexual Maturity as we grow in Priesthood and Consecrated Life. Fr. Rohan Dominic CMF updated the priests on our missionary involvement through SOMI-JPIC. Members had sufficient time to share their personal missionary experience, group discussions, visit to some of the Claretian Communities in Bengaluru, fraternal experience with our Novices and lighter moments among themselves. This fraternal coming together, helped the members in personal renewal and missionary encouragement during this Golden Jubilee year. During these days of encounter, Fr. George Mattathil, Prefect of Formation for Bangalore Province, and Fr. Jacob Arakkal, Provincial Superior of Bangalore Province, accompanied our priests.

ICL: Institute of Consecrated Life – Sanyasa is the only institute in Indiaorganized a two day seminar on theme “Consecrated Persons at the Service of Youth: Reflections on the Apostolic Exhortation Christus Vivit of Pope Francis” on 9-10 November 2019. 

The seminar began solemnly with the reading of the Word of God, lighting of the lamp and prayer dance by the students of ICL. Then, Fr. Arul Jesu Robin, CMF, the director of ICL welcomed each one warmly. Rev. Fr. Jacob Arakkal, CMF, the president of ICL and the Provincial of the Bangalore Province of the Claretians gave an inaugural address in which he emphasized the importance of youth ministry in the mission of the consecrated persons. About 200 consecrated persons including novices from our neighboring communities participated actively and benefitted immensely from the seminar.

Renowned consecrated persons presented papers on the Apostolic Exhortation Christus Vivit from different perspectives. There were all together six paper presentations and two panel discussions. On the first day of the seminar, Dr. George Panthalanickal, CMF wonderfully brought out “Biblical and Ecclesial Portrayal of the Youth and Their Significance for Consecrated Persons”.  The second paper was on “Today’s Youth – Tomorrow’s Consecrated Persons” by an inspiring personality Dr. George Kannanthanam, CMF. In the afternoon session, Rev. Sr. Michael Rita, FSJ former superior general of the Franciscan Sisters of St. Joseph (FSJ) presented a thought-provoking paper on “Pope Francis’ Message to the Youth and Its Relevance for Consecrated Persons”. The last session was a panel discussion in which the participants were enlightened by a lively panel which included Mr. Paul from Jesus’ Youth.       

Like the first day, the second day too had three presentations and a panel discussion. The first presentation was on “A Call to the Consecrated Persons for Transformation in the Light of the Gospel” by a renowned theologian Dr. Xavier Manavath, CMF, the Vicar for the Religious in the Archdiocese of Bangalore. Then, Dr. Sivy Koroth, SDB, an expert in youth ministry challenged the participants with his presentation on “Youth Ministry – A Daring Call for the Consecrated Persons”. The last paper of the seminar was on “Consecrated Persons at the Service of the Youth for Discernment” by Professor Dr. Smitha Gabriel, ASI. Then, we had the panel discussion enriched by the passionate interventions by Mr. Dino of Jesus’ Youth.  

Indeed, the participants highly appreciated the seminar which enabled them to be familiar with the recent church document Christus Vivit, a shot in the arm for the ministry of the consecrated persons with the young people.

Province of Bangalore organised its annual Superiors´ Meeting from 05-08 November 2019 at Claret Nivas Carmelaram. Along with the Provincial Government all the superiors and delegate superiors of the communities of the province came together for evaluation and planning.

Half a day was dedicated to a seminar on “Community Animation” by Fr. Theophilos SDB. This helped the participants to update themselves on the leadership and animation qualities based on Biblical Leadership. Rest of the time was spent on presentation and evaluation of the reports based on our missionary life and activities. Various proposals were also discussed for better missionary orientation for the apostolate and lifestyle.

A Centre for all kinds of religious and liturgical articles was blessed by His Grace Most Rev Peter Machado, Archbishop, Bangalore Archdiocese and opened by Rev. Fr. John Paikattu, Provincial Administrator, Bangalore Province. It is a new venture of the Claretians in Bengaluru by the Claretian Publications. The program was attended by Superiors of various communities of the province, fathers, sisters, brothers, well-wishers and friends from neighboring communities and parishes.

A 3 day Claretian Youth Encounter was conducted at Tenali Mukthi, Andrapradesh. 230 youths from 12 Claretian parishes witnessed the varieties of input sessions, group activities and a blind walk to conclude the camp. Many young Claretian fathers witnessed the event and contrubuted in arranging this Youth Encounter.

Inauguration of Mariadalam (Legion of Mary) was conducted at Christ the Redeemer Church, Bhattiprolu on 6 October, 2019. Forty women from different substations joined as the members of Legion of Mary. In his talk Fr. Chinnanna explained to the members on Origin, duties, functions and importance of Legion of Mary. Fr. Santhosh, parish priest thanked the members for showing their interest towards Mariadalam, encouraged and  plained to them regarding how they should lead the mariadalam prayers in their own villages as small groups. Sr. Ester agreed to be the incharge person for Mariadalam in the Parish. In the end the members elected new president and secretary for Legion of Mary

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As part of the Golden Jubilee Celebrations of Claretian Presence in India, Bangalore Province organized renewal retreats for all its priest members in September 2019. All the three Claretian Renewal Retreats were held at Claret Nivas Carmelaram.

113 priests working in different parts of the Province of Bangalore in India were divided in three different groups for better participation, without affecting their ministries. The three retreats took place on 02-07, 09-14 and 23-28 September 2019. The first two retreats were animated by Fr. Gonzalo Fernández CMF, the Vicar General and Prefect of Spirituality; the third retreat was animated by Fr. Paulson Veliyannoor CMF, Coordinator for the Forge in English.

Indeed, this was the time of spiritual renewal and refreshing and rejuvenating as Claretian Missionaries.

On 02 September 2019 Save the Environment programme was conducted at Chavali and Vellaturu substations of Bhattiprolu Parish in Andhra Pradesh. All the villagers, young and old along with the priests actively participated in the programme. While planting the saplings the people encouraged one other by repeating the slogan "Each one Plant One". Forest department of Bapatla Division were very generous to supply us five hundred plants for this noble purpose. Fr. Santhosh, the parish priest explained to the people the need to care for the Environment by planting more trees. The need of human beings for food, water, shelter and other things depends on the environment around us. Therefore it is our responsibility to safeguard our environment and make the possibility of healthy and happy life here. It’s important that every individual, in city or village is aware of this responsibility and take the positive steps, especially by proper use of water and planting more trees. Let us nurture the nature so that we can have a better future.