Mangaluru : Aloysius Paul D’Souza, Archbishop of Mangaluru Diocese, on Friday said that the diocese is celebrating this year’s Christmas with the theme ‘Save Water, Save Earth, Go Green’.

Delivering the Christmas message here, he said that throughout 2017, the diocese would undertake rainwater harvesting, groundwater recharge and environment protection works. He said that Jesus Christ had asked his followers to shun all forms of unhygienic practices. He said that a rainwater harvesting system had been installed at the Bishop’s House at Kodialbail. All churches had been told to take up rainwater harvesting and groundwater recharge on a massive scale. Similar requests would be made to church-run educational institutions. The Archbishop also said he would ask people not to use fireworks during festivities to protect environment.

Stating that the messages and teachings of Jesus Christ were relevant at all times, the Bishop said Jesus who was born in a non-polluted environment encouraged his followers to maintain purity both within and outside.

He also stated that all heads of churches and Diocesan institutions will be issued a circular to refrain from using fireworks during festivals in order to prevent noise and air pollution.

Fr William Menezes, PRO of Mangaluru Diocese, welcomed the gathering. Msgr Denis Prabhu, Vicar General, Fr Henry Sequeira, Chancellor, M P Noronha, Secretary of Diocesan Pastoral Council and others were present.