Bishop Agustinus Agus of Sintang in West Kalimantan urged local Catholics this week to make use of natural resources responsibly and with an eye towards sustainability. “Open the land and plant rice. Plant rubber trees, too. Do it in a good and responsible way. It will give you a better future,” he said to about 2,000 parishioners attending Holy Mass on July 20. The concelebrated Holy Mass, also featuring the blessing of rice seeds, machetes and other farming tools by the bishop, was organized to celebrate the diocese’ 50th anniversary, which coincided with the harvest festival of the Dayak tribe known as Gawai Adat. The local Church supports traditional culture and farming practices, the prelate said. “We want to develop traditional arts, cultures and customs as we strengthen our faith and the Church.” A farmer attending the Mass and identified only as Melandang said he welcomed the Church’s support. “We were strengthened. This Holy Mass was an expression of our thanks for last year’s harvest and offered a moment to prepare for next year’s planting season and to ask God for mercy,” he said. Related reports: Related Report: Church continues saving environment