CATHOLIC SABHA NEWS:

Vanamahotsav Celebration, June 28th 2026

On June 28th, the Catholic Sabha unit of St. Dominic Church, Ashoknagar, in collaboration with the Catholic Sabha unit of St. Ignatius Loyola Church, Palladka, celebrated Vanamahotsava at the Rhea Foundation premises near Palladka. Held with the valuable cooperation and guidance of Fr. Paul Crasta, the Parish Priest and Spiritual Director of St. Ignatius Loyola Church, the initiative brought together community members to plant a variety of fruit-bearing saplings, coconut trees, and other greenery alongside the Rhea Foundation. The event saw enthusiastic participation, drawing 32 members from the Ashoknagar Catholic Sabha, 6 members from the Palladka Catholic Sabha, and 22 members from the Rhea Foundation, including 12 children.

The program commenced with a warm welcome from Mr. Rudolph Lobo, President of the St. Dominic Church Catholic Sabha. Following the welcome, Mr. Ashley Fernandes, Founder of the Rhea Foundation, shared the inspiring journey of the foundation, explaining its purpose, growth, and future vision. During the event, the program convener, Mr. Ronald Colaco, conveyed his heartfelt gratitude to the assistant convener, Mr. Wilson Pereira, and all the other generous donors who supported the cause. Mr. Naveen Fernandes, President of the St. Ignatius Loyola Catholic Sabha, also addressed the gathering, promising continued institutional support for the Rhea Foundation's future endeavors and personally contributing a generous donation of ₹25,000. Words of encouragement were also shared by Mrs. Noreen Pinto, former President of the Episcopal City Deanery and former President and member of the Ashoknagar unit, who wished the foundation well and pledged her assistance for its future projects.

In appreciation of their support, special honors were presented during the event. Fr. Paul Crasta was honored with a fruit basket for kindly providing the church hall for the meals, and Mr. Avil D’Souza, owner of Trust Caterers and Vice President of the Palladka Parish Pastoral Council, was similarly presented with a fruit basket for coordinating the excellent catering. The successful event concluded with a vote of thanks proposed by Mr. William Lobo, Secretary of the Ashoknagar Catholic Sabha unit. He expressed sincere gratitude to President Rudolph Lobo, Convener Ronald Colacco, Assistant Convener Wilson Pereira, Treasurer Cyril Crasta, Rhea Foundation Founder Ashley Fernandes, Palladka Catholic Sabha President Naveen Fernandes, and all the donors, volunteers, and participants whose presence and support made the Vanamahotsava celebration a meaningful success.