The Cry of “Sister Water”

Around the world, the Season of Creation has inspired church leaders to unite in prayerful action for our common home. In Barcelona, Catholic leaders from around Europe gathered at the Llobregat river delta to reflect on the cries of “sister water” through a symbolic action called “Via Aqua.”
In this moving prayer experience, Catholic leaders shared stories of waters from their home countries: plastic pollution threatening birds and marine life on the white sands of Scotland, water shortages that are causing conflicts among communities in Spain, and families pleading for refuge and new life as they cross the beaches of Malta. The leaders then placed their hands in a bowl of water, which symbolized their promise to recognize the suffering of water and to offer protection to this shared source of life.
Mgr. Jean-Claude Hollerich, Archbishop of Luxembourg and President of the Conference of European Justice and Peace Commissions, said, “Praying and walking in silence through the fragile ecosystem of Llobregat river delta allowed us to better connect with each other, with nature, and with God.” Let us take inspiration from this symbolic act and find our own ways to listen and respond to the stories and cries of creation.