RMG – Preparing for the Season of Creation 2026

(ANS – Rome) – With just a month remaining before the Season of Creation 2026 begins, the Youth Ministry Sector has invited the Youth Ministry Delegates of all the Salesian Provinces around the world to prepare for this important annual celebration, which begins on 1 September, the World Day of Prayer for the Care of Creation, and concludes on 4 October, the Feast of St Francis of Assisi, the patron saint of ecology.

The theme for the Season of Creation 2026 is "Living Water." It draws its inspiration from Ezekiel 47:9,12, 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 God's healing power, renewing the land, water, biodiversity, and humanity's responsibility for the whole of creation.

Unfortunately, today's reality stands in stark contrast to Ezekiel's vision of abundant, life-giving water. According to statistics published by the United Nations on the current global water crisis, 1.7 billion people lack basic hygiene services at home, while 2.1 billion people still do not have access to safe drinking water—that is, one in every four people worldwide. As climate change intensifies and groundwater extraction increases, several countries are approaching what has been described as a "point of water bankruptcy"—a condition marked by irreversible losses of natural water resources.

Yet, as we return to Ezekiel's vision, it is important to remember that it is ultimately a vision of hope. Despite the distressing situations we are witnessing, we are called, as co-workers with the Creator, to play our part in making water accessible to all communities. As we celebrate the Season of Creation through prayer, reflection on our own lifestyles, and prophetic action, the theme of "Living Water" invites us to contribute actively to making this hope a reality.

Among the "prophetic actions" that this year's Season of Creation Guidebook proposes are: advocating for everyone's access to safe water; working to ensure that households, schools, healthcare facilities, and places of worship have access to clean water and proper sanitation; promoting environmental education to foster holistic care for creation; planting trees, which absorb carbon emissions, prevent soil erosion, and reduce flooding; and protecting biodiversity in our parishes, homes, and communities.

Living in today's digital age, the Guidebook also encourages young people to take part in a Digital Advocacy Campaign by posting on social media using #SeasonofCreation. Through this campaign, they can highlight polluted or dying rivers, lakes, and wetlands; share the stories of communities affected by water scarcity; call for urgent action on local water issues; and celebrate positive initiatives undertaken by governments and communities.

During the month of August, the Provincial Youth Ministry Delegates have been invited to animate all the Salesian communities and institutions in their respective provinces, so as to prepare for an effective celebration of the Season of Creation. The Season of Creation 2026 Guidebook, available in several languages on the Season of Creation website - https://seasonofcreation.org -, offers a wealth of practical ideas for celebrating this season in a meaningful way, and can be used well as we plan for this important event.