“Wherever the river flows, every living creature that swarms will live.” (Ezekiel 47:9)
Water gives life, sustains communities and keeps the earth alive. Yet it is often wasted, polluted and taken for granted. This concern was at the heart of the Season of Creation celebration held at Dar-ul-Kalam Lahore on 16 October 2026, under the theme “Living Water.”
More than 80 people, including religious sisters, men, women and children, took part in the programme, jointly organized by Dar-ul-Kalam Lahore, the Catholic Women’s Organization (CWO) Lahore and the Order of Secular Franciscans (OSF).
The celebration began with the Holy Mass, presided over by Rev. Fr. Shafqat John, Programme Coordinator of Caritas Pakistan Lahore. Ms. Maria Goretti, Coordinator of OSF, introduced the theme and reflected on water as a source of life, hope and renewal. The Scripture reading, Ezekiel 47:1–12, was proclaimed by Ms. Mariam Nadeem of Dar-ul-Kalam. In his homily, Fr. Shafqat John called on the faithful to recognize their responsibility to care for God’s creation and protect the natural resources entrusted to them.
The offertory procession gave a special place to the gifts of creation. Members of the community brought water, fish, vegetables, fruits and plants to the altar, expressing gratitude for the gifts that sustain human life. Prayers were also offered for the community, the environment and the protection of all living creatures. After Mass, guests and community members planted trees as a practical expression of their concern for the earth.
Welcoming the participants, Ms. Shaheen Yousaf, Diocesan Coordinator of CWO Lahore, thanked the three organizing partners for their cooperation. She encouraged everyone to take responsibility for the environment through simple, practical choices, particularly the careful use of water and other natural resources.
Mr. Ahmer Shahzad of Pakistan Mission Society led a session on climate change, explaining how it affects communities and what individuals can do in response. He drew attention to everyday practices such as saving water, reducing waste, protecting trees and keeping the surroundings clean. Care for the environment, he reminded participants, cannot be left to others; it begins with the choices people make in their own lives.
The children offered one of the most engaging moments of the programme through their presentation, “If Water Could Speak.” Guided by Ms. Sheeba Samuel of Dar-ul-Kalam Lahore, they gave a voice to this precious gift of nature. Their message was simple: do not waste water, keep its sources clean and remember those who will need it in the years to come.
Reflections were also shared by Ms. Faith Waheed, a member of the youth group; Sr. Kiran Ahmed, Executive Board Member of CWO; and Sr. Mary Joan, Diocesan Board Member of CWO Lahore. They encouraged participants to make care for creation a regular part of family, parish and community life.
Mr. Amir Joseph, Director of Dar-ul-Kalam Lahore, thanked the guests, speakers, organizers and participants for their contribution. He especially appreciated the cooperation among the three organizations and encouraged them to continue working together for the protection of creation.
The celebration ended with a message that reaches beyond a single day or event: water is a gift to be respected, not wasted. The words of the prophet Ezekiel remind Christians that water brings life wherever it flows. Protecting it, along with the rest of creation, is part of their responsibility before God and towards future generations.
Share it:
