“Repent, and believe in the Gospel” (Mk 1:15).
Water: Source of Light
By Emilie Christy
March 22 is World Day for Water
It is widely thought that water scarcity and quality will be one of the major problems of the 21st century and the biggest threat to food security. When it is scarce or lacking, innumerable social, health and economic problems arise which must be recognized and addressed. Spreading desert conditions, lack of adequate sanitation and global warming cause life threats such as dehydration and dysentery, decrease of food production, mass migration and exodus of whole peoples in search of a place where life is possible.
Throughout the world symposia, conferences, national and international forums are gathering together scientists, politicians, decision-makers and different stakeholders to offer a platform for discussing the improvement of the water environment, bringing water and basic sanitation to those in need, and increasing knowledge through ground-breaking research. Various solutions are being explored that can be tailored to meet the peculiar development needs in different parts of the world. Community participation and new technological approaches are among the key ways for solving this monumental issue. In 2004 Brazil’s National Catholic Bishops’ Conference promoted its annual Brotherhood Campaign with the theme, “Water, a source of life.” Pope John Paul II sent a message to them underlining the importance of their effort, especially in the context of Lent when every Christian “is especially invited to reflect on the various social situations that require greater brotherhood.” He wrote: “Without this gift the earth would rapidly become an arid desert. Its rational use in solidarity demands the collaboration of all people of goodwill with government institutions so as to ensure the effective protection of the environment understood as a gift from God. This is a question that must be set in context in order to establish moral criteria based precisely on the value of life and the respect for the rights and dignity of all human beings. May sentiments of brotherhood and lively cooperation be reawakened in every heart."
Throughout the world symposia, conferences, national and international forums are gathering together scientists, politicians, decision-makers and different stakeholders to offer a platform for discussing the improvement of the water environment, bringing water and basic sanitation to those in need, and increasing knowledge through ground-breaking research. Various solutions are being explored that can be tailored to meet the peculiar development needs in different parts of the world. Community participation and new technological approaches are among the key ways for solving this monumental issue. In 2004 Brazil’s National Catholic Bishops’ Conference promoted its annual Brotherhood Campaign with the theme, “Water, a source of life.” Pope John Paul II sent a message to them underlining the importance of their effort, especially in the context of Lent when every Christian “is especially invited to reflect on the various social situations that require greater brotherhood.” He wrote: “Without this gift the earth would rapidly become an arid desert. Its rational use in solidarity demands the collaboration of all people of goodwill with government institutions so as to ensure the effective protection of the environment understood as a gift from God. This is a question that must be set in context in order to establish moral criteria based precisely on the value of life and the respect for the rights and dignity of all human beings. May sentiments of brotherhood and lively cooperation be reawakened in every heart."
© 2012 by the Focolare Movement (New York) •