In a significant step towards fostering holistic community development, the Parish Priest of Our Lady of Merces Church, Colva, Rev. Fr. Polly Lobo, has launched the Parish Social Action Forum (PSAF), an initiative aimed at addressing the social, environmental, and civic needs of the local community alongside its spiritual well-being.
The Forum, which was formally established in February 2026, functions as an integral part of the Parish Pastoral Council. The initiative originated from the Bishop’s Palace and was guided by Fr. Freddy Braganza, then Director of Caritas Goa, along with core team members Mrs. Vigilia De Sa, former Sarpanch of Moira village, and Ms. Divina.
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Speaking about the vision behind the initiative, Fr. Polly Lobo emphasized the importance of addressing both the spiritual and temporal concerns of parishioners.
“As a priest, my concern is not only for the spiritual health of our parishioners but also for their social well-being, the environment, and the biodiversity of our beautiful village. This Forum is born out of a deep passion to bring Awareness, Motivation, and Action among our people,” he said.
The Parish Social Action Forum focuses on creating awareness and encouraging active participation in areas such as social welfare, civic responsibility, political education, consumer rights, healthcare, environmental conservation, and mass media literacy.
Since its inception, the Forum has undertaken several impactful initiatives. One of its first major activities was a Gram Sabha awareness session aimed at educating villagers about the importance of participating in local governance. The programme witnessed enthusiastic attendance and contributed to increased participation in the subsequent Gram Sabha meeting.
The Forum also took up the issue of the village’s drinking water crisis after receiving concerns from residents. A signature campaign was launched, garnering strong community support. Members of the Forum continue to actively pursue the matter with the relevant authorities in search of a sustainable solution.
In another notable initiative, the Forum recently organized a Farmers Outreach Programme that brought together farmers from across the village. The session featured retired Director of Agriculture, Mr. Orlando Rodrigues, as the chief resource person.
During the interactive discussion, farmers raised concerns about the growing number of abandoned and uncultivated fields in the village. Addressing the gathering, Mr. Rodrigues highlighted how the decline of traditional agricultural practices, including the annual maintenance of village lakes and water bodies, has contributed to a falling water table, ecological imbalance, increasing temperatures, and delayed fruiting in crops such as mango trees.
The Forum has resolved to work closely with farmers and support efforts to address these challenges while promoting sustainable agricultural practices and environmental stewardship.
Fr. Polly Lobo and members of the Parish Social Action Forum have appealed to parishes and villages across Goa to establish similar forums, believing that such platforms can empower communities and facilitate meaningful grassroots development.
“This is only the beginning of our journey. With God’s grace and the collective effort of committed parishioners, we are confident of bringing about meaningful and lasting positive change in Colva and beyond,” Fr. Lobo added.
The initiative reflects a growing commitment within parish communities to engage with social and environmental issues while fostering active citizenship and community participation.
