The Society of St. Vincent de Paul in India is helping young Vincentians discover that service to people in poverty also includes care for creation. Through the initiative “Young Vincentians Protecting Mother Earth,” the National Council of India encourages young members to grow in faith, responsibility, leadership, and ecological awareness.

India is a vast country, and the Society works through regional coordination structures that help bring formation and service closer to local communities. In the Western India Region, young Vincentians have been invited to reflect on their mission in today’s world: to serve Christ in the poor, to build community, and to protect the common home we all share.

The project combines Vincentian formation with practical environmental action. Young participants receive guidance on the attitude and spirituality of a Vincentian, learning that charity is not only a response to immediate needs but also a commitment to the dignity and future of every person. In this spirit, care for the environment becomes part of the Vincentian vocation, especially because environmental degradation often affects the poorest communities first.

One of the practical actions highlighted in the project is the use of the “seed balling” technique, an easy and accessible way to grow trees. Instead of digging large holes, seeds are enclosed in small balls of soil and natural material, which can then be placed in suitable areas where they may germinate. This simple method allows young people and local communities to participate actively in reforestation and environmental restoration.

The project also includes formation on pollution and its effects, helping young Vincentians understand how human behavior impacts the land, water, air, and the lives of vulnerable people. By linking ecological education with Vincentian values, the initiative invites young people to see environmental care not as an optional activity, but as an expression of love, justice, and solidarity.

Another important dimension is youth leadership. Young Vincentians are encouraged to take initiative in their own councils and communities, share experiences, evaluate local activities, and develop a stronger sense of responsibility within the Society. The project recognizes that young people are not merely the future of the Vincentian Family; they are already active agents of service, renewal, and hope.

“Young Vincentians Protecting Mother Earth” shows how the Vincentian charism can speak powerfully to today’s ecological challenges. It invites the whole Vincentian Family to accompany young people, support their creativity, and help them transform concern for the planet into concrete acts of service.

To protect Mother Earth is to protect the poor, the vulnerable, and the generations yet to come. In that mission, young Vincentians have a vital role to play.

With information taken from Bulletin “Ozanam Network”, no. 1/2020