Kiusam, May 31 (MExN): St. John Community, Kiusam joined parishes across the Diocese of Kohima in observing Green Sunday on May 31 ahead of World Environment Day, renewing its commitment to environmental stewardship and human dignity amid growing ecological concerns.
The observance was held under the theme, “Our Power, Our Planet,” set by the Diocese Commission for the Care of God’s Creation and inspired by Genesis 2:15: “The Lord God took the man and put him in the Garden of Eden to work it and take care of it.”
Addressing the congregation, Rev. Fr. Thomas Toretkiu reminded the faithful of humanity’s responsibility as caretakers of creation.
“Scripture tells us that we live in a Garden, where we meet and worship our Creator,” he said, citing Genesis 2:8-9, 15. “Everyone knows we must keep our own house in good repair. Ecologically, this means keeping it good for everyone.”
Fr. Toretkiu called on both young and old to take practical steps such as adopting renewable energy, planting trees, reducing plastic pollution and promoting environmentally friendly practices.
Linking faith with ecology, he highlighted the significance of Sunday in Christian life. “For us Christians, Sunday is the Lord’s Day — a day to heal and build our relationship with God, a day of the Lord’s Resurrection, a day of new creation, transformation and excellence,” he said.
Quoting Pope Francis from *Laudato Si’* 237, he added, “Sunday is the day of creation. Why? Because of Easter.”
To mark the occasion, community members planted trees on the church campus as a symbol of their commitment to caring for creation. The initiative was undertaken in line with the Diocese of Kohima’s directive for all parishes, centres and institutions to observe Green Sunday through concrete action.
In collaboration with Catholic Youth, men and women of the community also pledged to green the campus, maintain a kitchen garden and develop a waste management system. An awareness programme was also conducted on the dangers of plastic pollution and the importance of sustainable living.
Community leaders officiated the tree-planting programme and encouraged households to undertake similar efforts in their own surroundings.
