Last Friday, an afforestation initiative took place at Maglavit Monastery in Dolj County, carrying not only an ecological message but also a profoundly moving one as part of the Month for Life 2025: each of the 3,000 trees planted was dedicated to the memory of a child who never had the chance to be born.
The event, titled “Plant a Tree in Memory of Children Who Never Had the Chance to Be Born”, was organized by the Youth and Catechesis Sector of the Archdiocese of Craiova and ASCOR Craiova, in collaboration with the Eparchial Forestry Office and the Băilești Deanery.
A total of 370 participants joined the initiative, mainly students from six schools in Dolj County, along with Pro Europa Roma Party representatives and beneficiaries of the St. Basil Social Emergency Center for the Homeless in Craiova.
The tree planting was followed by a communal meal and a guided tour of Maglavit Monastery led by Abbess Maria. The monastery stands on the site where, in 1935, shepherd Petrache Lupu experienced a divine vision and became a preacher of faith and repentance.
“Through each tree planted, we express not only compassion but also responsibility for the future. It is a sign of hope and love for creation,” the organizers noted.
The event left behind more than just newly planted trees—it conveyed a strong message of hope and love, demonstrating that community involvement can bring positive change both spiritually and in protecting the environment, the organizers added.
Photo: Metropolis of Oltenia
