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| With Fr. Felix at Laudato Si farm, Valpoi |
- Brian Mendonca
Simple and creative games were played in the modest shelter provided. Teams were seen sucking the raisins; rushing to find items for a nature treasure hunt; and finding their 'family' by making the noise of the bird/animal.
Our PPC group spent a lovely day at Laudato Si farm in Valpoi. The trip was made possible by Fr. Adolfo, Parish Priest, and Fr. Boris, Assistant, and their dedicated team of Porvorim parish.
After a bus journey of sing-song and guitar music in Konkani and English we arrived at the venue around 11 a.m. Being a Sunday, everyone was relaxed and the turnout was good.
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| A cool rivulet coursing by. |
Yes, it was April and the transition from the AC bus to the ambient temperature at the farm took some getting used to. However, the hot breakfast of veg kurma, pooris and tea chased away any inhibitions.
Fr. Felix Lobo, the curator of the farm was there to welcome us and dwelt on the inspiration for the farm. Laudato Si is a Latin term meaning 'Care for Our Common Home.' It became more well-known after an encyclical by Pope Francis with the same name. Fr. Felix aims to translate this mystical vision of St. Francis of Assisi at the farm in Valpoi.
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| Pool and shelter. |
The sprawling area comprises trees of several varieties, grazing grounds for cattle, rivulets, and outhouses. The high point is the cool pool of a depth of almost six feet. The water rejuvenated everyone. The ingeniously designed games like throwball, putting the ball into the tyre, and 'walking on the water' ensured that every one made a splash.
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| Nature hunt. |
The opening game was finding out which member in the group had any of the attributes on the checklists which were handed out. Participants had to get out of their comfort zone, break the ice, and talk to people to get the information.
Lunch was a sumptuous affair with pulao, chicken xacuti, fried chicken, boiled egg, and salad. One of the members added bebinca to the already groaning table. Fortified by the spirits of the season, conversation became more colourful and jokes were taken in good humour. For tea with bhajias, group members pitched in with baath, and cake.
After enjoying with us, Fr. Felix appeared in his pristine soutane in the late afternoon. He said he had to go to Mapusa to celebrate Mass. After posing for a photo and receiving our thanks he got into his Innova and sped off. His energy is simply amazing. He and his team have lovingly brought the farm back on its feet after the floods in 2021. They lost many cattle then.
The picnic brought us closer. It was an exercise in planning, team work, and execution. When the frisbee sailed on to the roof, it also taught us problem solving and team work. We hoisted a huge dried branch on to the roof and retrieved it to loud cheers. Alfred Rose's hit number 'She's a Lady from Goa' on the sound system saw an impromptu display of Cha Cha Cha dance moves.
We were glad to have Sister Daisy with us from JMJ hospital, Porvorim. She has been transferred and will resume her duties in Khammam. Fr. Adolfo thanked her for her service to the community. In her short speech, Sister said she enjoyed working here in Goa and would not forget the love shown to her.
The journey back saw us singing different songs as we assayed Elvis, Abba, Boney M, and Freddy Fender. It was an unforgettable day with friends in the lap of nature.
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Updated 23/4/26. Group pic by Blanche.
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