Shawna Nemesia Rebello is a dedicated member of the Laudato Si’ Action Platform working groups, representing both educational institutions and dioceses. Based in India, Shawna brings a decade of experience in ecological ministry, from the diocesan level and extending to national and international engagements. Shawna’s involvement exemplifies the global and collaborative spirit of the working group members dedicated to the platform’s growth.
This year’s Season of Creation was a time of renewed hope and purpose for me. As part of the Archdiocesan Office for Environment (AOE), I was privileged to witness how parishes, youth, and communities came together across the Archdiocese of Bombay to live out the call in Laudato Si’ — to care for our common home.
Each year, from September 1 (World Day of Prayer for the Care of Creation) to October 4 (Feast of St. Francis of Assisi), Christians worldwide join in prayer and action for the Season of Creation. The 2025 theme, Peace with Creation, was inspired by Isaiah 32:14-18, a passage that connects ecological harmony with justice and right relationship with God.
The Mass for the Care of Creation
In July 2025, the Vatican unveiled a new formulary for the Mass for the Care of Creation, and by August, the Conference of Catholic Bishops of India released adapted prayers and readings for use across the country. The Archdiocese of Bombay responded enthusiastically, celebrating this Mass in several parishes during the Season.
At St Francis Xavier, Dabul, members of the Green Guardians Cell received a special blessing, surrounded by potted plants sponsored by parishioners instead of cut flowers. At Our Lady of Mercy, Pokhran, Fr Christopher Fernandes spoke about creation as a gift and a lesson in trust, encouraging simple lifestyle changes like carrying reusable bottles, and planting seeds from daily fruit.
At Holy Family, Chakala, a recycled pot with a live plant was offered at the altar, accompanied by a handout on the parish’s 25-year eco-journey, printed on recycled paper.Across all these Masses, also held in Our Lady of Salvation, Dadar and St John the Baptist, Thane, prayers and homilies reminded us that the Eucharist itself calls us to stewardship — to recognise creation as both God’s gift and our shared responsibility.
The Mass for the Archdiocese, with Bishop Allwyn D’Silva as the main celebrant, took place on October 4 at the Shrine of Don Bosco’s Madonna, Matunga. Two Salesians and a Jesuit priest concelebrated, joined by Eco Ambassadors, parish green cell members, religious sisters and others. The St Joseph Choral Society led the music, and the recitation of St Francis of Assisi’s Canticle of the Creatures after Communion made the day especially meaningful. This was a powerful expression of faith in action — collaboration rooted in care for creation.
COPeace: Youth for the Environment
Youth participation was another highlight of this Season. The AOE, together with Don Bosco Youth Services (DBYS), organized COPeace, an interfaith youth event held on September 28 at Matunga.
The day began with prayer and an interactive session led by Dr Jean D’Cunha, a retired UN Women Senior Global Advisor. Through discussion and short films, participants reflected on how the climate crisis affects communities, especially women and youth. Divided into groups, they explored local challenges and practical actions they could take within their homes, colleges, and neighborhoods.
In the afternoon, participants created a “Garden of Peace” using waste materials, turning discarded objects into expressions of hope. Judges evaluated the entries, and winners received eco-friendly prizes such as gift cards for nature trails and learning experiences.
One participant described the event as “an amazing and eye-opening experience, both fun and insightful, inspiring me to take positive action.”
Throughout the day, no disposable materials were used. Meals were locally sourced, served in reusable utensils, and participants brought their own cups. The event demonstated sustainability in practice, showing that environmental awareness can begin with the choices we make at gatherings like these
Collaboration throughout the Season
The Archdiocese collaborated with the Don Bosco Green Alliance for daily reflection posts on social media. The Certificate Course for Eco Ambassadors was conducted with the Office for Environment and Climate Change of the Catholic Bishops’ Conference of India. A first for the Archdiocese was an ecumenical prayer service held on October 2, held at the Our Lady of Fatima Church Complex with the participation of lay persons and pastors from various denominations.
Looking Ahead
As the Season of Creation ended, I felt a deep sense of gratitude — not only for what had been accomplished, but for the growing sense of connection among people of faith, youth, and communities across traditions.
The journey affirmed my belief that the Laudato Si’ Action Platform is space to connect with others on the journey toward integral ecology, share resources and insights, and grow together—because we don’t need to reinvent the wheel to care for our common home.
Each Mass, each discussion, each shared meal was a small but genuine act of peace with creation. My hope is that these seeds — of awareness, collaboration, and faith — will continue to grow in the seasons ahead.