Fr Elvis Fernandes, SFX & Verghese V Joseph –
At the heart of the lush fields of Goa, where the monsoon breathes life into the earth, a unique tradition flourishes—one that marries faith with farming, theology with tilling. Every year, the seminarians of the Pilar Theological Institute (PTI), part of the All-India Mission Seminary (AIMS) under the Society of Pilar, step beyond their classrooms to engage in the age-old practice of paddy cultivation. This hands-on experience is not merely agricultural labor; it is a profound exercise in contextual theology, a living testament to their commitment to stewardship, justice, and solidarity with the land and its people.
This year, a vibrant group of second, third, and fourth-year theology students—hailing from diverse dioceses such as Dumka and Daltonganj in Jharkhand, Purnia and Patna in Bihar, and Krishnagar in West Bengal—came together to cultivate over two acres of paddy fields. For many, this was a familiar task, but for all, it was a transformative journey.
Prabhu Prakash, a second-year seminarian from Patna, reflects, “Engaging in planting paddy was an act of solidarity with the ‘Annadata’—the farmers who toil day in and day out to provide for our sustenance. It deepened my respect for their dignity, often overlooked in society.” His words echo the core of this initiative: theology is not confined to books but is lived and breathed in the soil, in the sweat of labourers, and in the cycles of nature.
Lessons Beyond the Classroom
For Aston Carvalho, a third-year student and member of the Society of Pilar, the experience was a masterclass in virtues essential both for farming and ministry. “This experience taught us invaluable lessons about teamwork, patience, and perseverance,” he shares. “It also awakened in us a profound sense of stewardship towards nature. We pray that our collective efforts will yield a bountiful harvest—not just of rice, but of faith and community.”
Markus Tudu, another second-year student from the Diocese of Dumka, philosophizes on the spiritual connection to the earth: “We are intrinsically connected to Mother Earth—we are formed of the earth, live on the earth, and one day return to mingle with the earth. When we care for the earth, the earth cares for us.” This holistic view of creation and care epitomizes the theology in praxis that PTI champions.
Fourth-year student Sailesh Gavit from Nagar Haveli sums it up beautifully: “We do the tilling and farming, but it is God who gives the growth and fruits.” This acknowledgment of divine providence intertwined with human effort encapsulates the seminarians’ lived theology.
A Legacy Rooted in the Soil
The Society of Pilar’s commitment to agricultural development is not new; it is a legacy deeply embedded in its history. One of the earliest pioneers was Rev. Fr. Remedios do Rosario Gomes from Chandor, who tirelessly worked in Panchwaddi, Shiroda, Monki (Canara), and Honawar. Fr. Gomes transformed barren land into fertile paddy fields, teaching local communities sustainable farming techniques. His extraordinary contributions earned him the prestigious ‘Golden Ear of Corn’ award from the Portuguese government in 1954—a golden plaque symbolizing agricultural excellence.
Another towering figure in this legacy is Fr. Inacio Almeida from Macasana, Goa. Educated at the Asian Rural Institute in Japan, Fr. Almeida returned to Goa with innovative farming methods that revolutionized the Society of Pilar’s agricultural properties. Known affectionately as ‘Dharti Mata’ (Mother Earth), his love for the land and environment was legendary. He empowered tribal communities like the Gonvlli and Dhangars by introducing modern farming techniques, significantly improving crop yields.
Fr. Almeida’s social commitment was recognized with multiple honors, including the “Somaz Sevok Puroskar” (Social Worker Prize) and “Utkruxtt Xetkari” (Best Farmer) by the Government of Goa in 1984. Two years later, Zuari Agro Chemicals bestowed upon him the title “Krishi Samraat” (Emperor of Agriculture). His life was a testament to how agricultural work can be a powerful medium for proclaiming the Word of God and uplifting marginalized communities.
Cultivating Faith, Justice, and Compassion
The annual paddy cultivation at PTI is more than an agricultural exercise—it is a living classroom where seminarians embody the principles they study. It teaches them that theology is not an abstract discipline but a call to action, a commitment to care for creation and those who sustain us.
By working the land, these future priests develop a profound empathy for farmers, often the unsung heroes of society. They learn the value of patience as seeds slowly sprout, the power of teamwork in tending vast fields, and the humility to recognize that growth ultimately comes from a higher power.
This initiative also reinforces the Society of Pilar’s enduring mission: to integrate faith with social justice, environmental stewardship, and community development. It is a bold, inspiring model of how religious formation can nurture not only spiritual leaders but also compassionate caretakers of the earth and champions of the marginalized.
A Harvest of Hope
As the monsoon clouds gather and the seminarians bend over the fields, planting each seed with reverence and hope, they are cultivating more than just paddy. They are nurturing a vision of a world where faith and action walk hand in hand, where the dignity of labour is honoured, and where the earth is cherished as a sacred gift.
In this sacred actof theology and agriculture, the students of Pilar Theological Institute are sowing the seeds of a future where priests are not only shepherds of souls but also stewards of creation—ready to serve with hands that know the soil and hearts that understand justice.