Bombay Archdiocese Hosts Lenten Eco-Retreat, Invites Faithful to Rediscover God in Creation

The Office for Environment of the Archdiocese of Bombay organized a half-day Lenten eco-retreat on March 22 at a retreat house in Bandra, western India, drawing participants into deeper reflection on God’s presence in creation.

The retreat was led by Fr. Luke Rodrigues, SJ, head of the archdiocesan environment office. More than 100 participants, including lay faithful and religious, attended the program.

Fr. Rodrigues began with the creation narrative from the Book of Genesis, guiding participants through each day of creation as a path of prayer and ecological awareness. Participants were invited to reflect on elements such as light and darkness, sky and rain, soil, oceans and rivers, trees and crops, and the moon, planets, and stars.

Reflecting on the first act of creation, “Let there be light,” participants contemplated light as a symbol of truth and revelation. They were encouraged to recognize the goodness of light and its deeper spiritual meaning.

The second day’s reflection focused on the sky, space, and rain, highlighting their life-giving and cleansing qualities. Participants reflected on their intimate connection with nature and the environment that sustains life.

On the third day, attention turned to the earth, seas, and vegetation, emphasizing the beauty, diversity, and depth of creation. Participants were reminded of the human call to remain connected with and care for creation.

The fourth day centered on the celestial bodies, the sun, moon, and stars, inviting reflection on the vastness of the universe and the sense of eternity it evokes. Fr. Rodrigues encouraged participants to “listen to nature,” seeing it as a space where God continues to speak.

Reflections on the fifth and sixth days highlighted the beauty of birds, sea creatures, and land animals. Participants noted the harmony within creation and were invited to rediscover a sense of wonder and respect for all living beings.

The retreat concluded with the seventh day of creation, focusing on rest in God. Participants were invited to contemplate creation as a whole and recognize its goodness, entering into a spirit of gratitude and praise.

Fr. Rodrigues also urged participants to pause amid the fast pace of modern life and rediscover their deeper purpose. He emphasized that God remains at the center of all creation and invited participants to reflect on how they can honor and care for the environment.

The retreat concluded with moments of silence and personal reflection, encouraging participants to slow down, breathe deeply, and experience the peace of being in harmony with nature.