This year’s theme, “Living Water,” is inspired by the beautiful vision in the Book of Ezekiel: “Wherever the river flows, every living creature that swarms will live… and everything will live where the river goes.” (Ezekiel 47:9)

Ezekiel’s vision comes from a time of exile and loss.  Yet, into this experience of uncertainty, the prophet offers a powerful vision of hope.  Living water flows from God’s sanctuary, bringing healing and new life wherever it goes.  Rivers are renewed, the land becomes fruitful, biodiversity flourishes and communities are restored.

This image speaks powerfully to our own time.  Water is essential to all life, yet rivers, lakes, wetlands and oceans are under increasing pressure from pollution, climate change and biodiversity loss.  Communities around the world are also experiencing the devastating impacts of droughts, floods and changing rainfall patterns.

The Season of Creation invites us to see water not simply as a resource, but as a gift from God and a source of life, connecting people, communities and the whole Earth community.  It is an opportunity to reflect on our relationship with creation and on our shared Christian vocation to protect and cherish the world entrusted to us.

Celebrating in your parish

Parishes are invited to dedicate one Sunday during September to celebrating the Season of Creation with your parish community.  This could be a simple opportunity to reflect together on the gift of water, to pray for communities experiencing water scarcity or flooding, and to consider how your parish can care for creation in practical ways.