Pope Francis inaugurated the practice of setting September aside as a time of reflection on creation, and our role within in. Since then, it has been adopted as an ecumenical celebration. This year’s theme, “Living Water” “, explores Ezekiel 47:9 and 12 as a powerful biblical vision of hope and ecological healing. Set amid exile
and loss, the image of living water flowing from God’s sanctuary reveals divine healing that renews land, water, biodiversity, and human responsibility towards the whole creation. The Church encourages us to adopt the following action points:
Food security: Ezekiel’s prophecy speaks of trees that “bear fresh fruit every month” (Ezek 47:12). We are called to shape and influence policies and practices so that all people have access to nourishing and safe food, so that the fruits of biodiversity are shared equitably. Churches can also promote greening projects
which reflect Christian values on their own land.
Water pollution: We are called both to refrain from and to denounce harmful pollution, while at the same time urging governments, local authorities, industry, and agriculture to act responsibly and protect water sources.
Water and sanitation: Many of our brothers and sisters still lack regular access to safe drinking water and sanitation. Therefore, we must act so that households, schools, healthcare facilities, and places of worship – including churches and parishes – have access to clean water and proper sanitation.
Environmental education: Parents, catechists, clergy, and faith communities are called to foster a holistic care for creation – human and non-human alike – drawing not only on technical knowledge, but also on relationships, ethics, and spiritual formation.
Drawing spiritual inspiration from Creation: Through contemplation of the natural world created by God (Job 7-12), we are invited to move from domination to humility, from exploitation to care, and from short- term profit to long-term flourishing. This transformation is both spiritual and practical, requiring a rethinking
of values, economic systems, and educational priorities.
Tree growing: Many churches now link tree planting to key moments of faith such as baptism, confirmation, and funerals. Let tree growing become an integral part of our spiritual lives. Trees absorb carbon pollution, prevent erosion, reduce flooding, provide food and medicine, and cool urban environments – they truly bring healing to the nations.
Caring for our oceans – our “Blue Lung” – which face rising threats from waste discharge, overfishing, pollution, and deep-sea mining. Life and biodiversity beneath the waves must not be treated as out of sight and out of mind.
