An Indonesian bishop is helping take care of the environment by encouraging Catholics, particularly youths, to plant 1,000 trees in all vicariates in Ruteng diocese, on Flores Island, East Nusa Tenggara. During a visit to St. Arnoldus parish in Borong vicariate on February 19 to start the initiative, Bishop Hubertus Leteng of Ruteng emphasized the need for local people to be more aware of green issues. “This is an urgent call to Catholics, young and old, to conserve Mother Nature and the environment by planting more trees starting in backyards and fields,” Bishop Leteng told Catholics in the parish. He also appealed to Catholic youths to “love, nurture and maintain the earth” as the younger generation has a vital role to play in protecting the environment. “It’s the task of the young to save the environment from reckless people,” the prelate said. “God did not create nature twice, but only once. It is our duty as God’s creation to love and manage nature wisely,” the bishop said referring to environmental damage allegedly committed by mining companies in three districts in the diocese over the past few years. Father Maximus Sensi Mandaru, parish priest of St. Arnoldus Yoseph, later said the bishop’s initiative is a noble cause that has united all parishioners, young and old. “Many people are concerned, and we planted 300 trees around the church today,” he said. Father Benediktus Jaya, head of Borong vicariate, said the ‘1,000 trees’ initiative is being taken very seriously by local Catholics. “We are grateful for the bishop’s initiative,” he said. IS13344.1642
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