PANAJI: In keeping with Pope Francis' call to the faithful to introduce lifestyle changes in order to save the earth, biodegradable material is likely to replace plastic at the upcoming novenas and the feast of St Francis Xavier at Old Goa.
Instead of flex and thermocol, the backdrop of the alter which will be decorated with the feast theme - 'Like St Francis Xavier, the love of Christ urges us on' - is expected to be designed on biodegradable material, rector of Bom Jesus Basilica Fr Patricio Fernandes said.
"Currently our available options are canvas or cloth. We are trying to find other biodegradable material that can be used. The backdrop might not be all that glamorous like it used to be in the past, but we're seriously thinking mulling over this option," he said.
"Even in our sermons at mass, we have increasingly been spreading the message of reducing and avoiding the usage of plastic as far as possible," he said.
When asked whether there are efforts to make the Basilica complex plastic free, he said that while no boards stating this have been put up yet, he is considering eliminating plastic at entry points itself, by asking visitors and tourists to deposit any plastic before entering the complex.
Last month, the Archdiocese of Goa and Daman sent out letters to parish priests describing non-biodegradable material as 'toxic' and 'unnecessary', The letters also urged the faithful to avoid the use of these non-biodegradable items in graveyards and for feast decorations. The communique requested the faithful to take efforts to reduce waste.
Instead of flex and thermocol, the backdrop of the alter which will be decorated with the feast theme - 'Like St Francis Xavier, the love of Christ urges us on' - is expected to be designed on biodegradable material, rector of Bom Jesus Basilica Fr Patricio Fernandes said.
"Currently our available options are canvas or cloth. We are trying to find other biodegradable material that can be used. The backdrop might not be all that glamorous like it used to be in the past, but we're seriously thinking mulling over this option," he said.
"Even in our sermons at mass, we have increasingly been spreading the message of reducing and avoiding the usage of plastic as far as possible," he said.
When asked whether there are efforts to make the Basilica complex plastic free, he said that while no boards stating this have been put up yet, he is considering eliminating plastic at entry points itself, by asking visitors and tourists to deposit any plastic before entering the complex.
Last month, the Archdiocese of Goa and Daman sent out letters to parish priests describing non-biodegradable material as 'toxic' and 'unnecessary', The letters also urged the faithful to avoid the use of these non-biodegradable items in graveyards and for feast decorations. The communique requested the faithful to take efforts to reduce waste.
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