DIMAPUR: Joining parishes across the Diocese of Kohima, St. John’s Community Kiusam and St. Peter’s Parish, Kiphire observed Green Sunday on May 31 ahead of World Environment Day, under the diocesan theme “Our Power, Our Planet” drawn from Genesis 2:15. The observance, initiated by the Diocese Commission for the Care of God’s Creation, urged the faithful to renew their commitment to environmental stewardship and human dignity amid what church leaders described as “alarming ecological degradation.”
At St. John’s Community Kiusam, Rev. Fr. Thomas Toretkiu delivered the homily, reminding the congregation of humanity’s role as caretakers of creation. Citing Genesis 2:8 9, 15, he said, “Scripture tells us that we live in a Garden, where we meet and worship our Creator. He called for collective action—transitioning to renewable energy, planting trees, reducing plastic pollution, and promoting greener practices. Linking faith with ecology, he emphasized Sunday as the Lord’s Day, a day of healing, new creation and transformation, quoting Pope Francis from Laudato Si’ 237: “Sunday is the day of creation. Why? Because of Easter.”
To mark the occasion, parishioners planted trees on the church campus, pledged to maintain a kitchen garden, and committed to developing a waste management system. An awareness drive was also held to educate parishioners on the dangers of plastic pollution and the importance of sustainable living. The observance concluded with a solemn Holy Trinity Sunday Eucharistic celebration, where the faithful prayed for wisdom to care for “our common home” and strength to live out the call of Laudato Si’ in daily life.
Meanwhile, at St. Peter’s Parish, Kiphire, the Catholic Youth Movement (CYM) led the initiative. The programme commenced with a welcome address and prayer by Rev. Fr. Philip Magh, Parish Priest, who enlightened the gathering on the significance of Green Sunday and the Christian duty to care for God’s creation. A ceremonial tree plantation drive was launched within the Mission Compound.
