Diocese of Kohima Observes Green Sunday to Promote Environmental Stewardship

Kohima: Catholic communities across the Diocese of Kohima observed Green Sunday on May 31 to emphasize environmental stewardship ahead of World Environment Day. Guided by the diocesan theme Our Power, Our Planet, the initiative aimed to address growing ecological concerns and encourage the faithful to protect the Earth.

At St. John’s Community Kiusam, Rev. Fr. Thomas Toretkiu used his homily to frame the environment as a sacred garden. He encouraged parishioners to adopt sustainable habits, such as reducing plastic waste and shifting toward renewable energy. The community acted on these teachings by planting trees on the church grounds and committing to new waste management and kitchen gardening projects.

The Catholic Youth Movement led similar efforts at St. Peter’s Parish in Kiphire. Rev. Fr. Philip Magh opened the event by discussing the Christian responsibility toward nature, which was followed by a ceremonial tree planting drive within the Mission Compound. Both locations used the occasion to foster awareness regarding sustainable living and the preservation of nature.

The observance concluded with prayers for the environment during Holy Trinity Sunday Eucharistic celebrations. Leaders urged members to honor the principles outlined in Laudato Si by integrating ecological care into their daily lives and personal faith practices.