By Jules Gibson, Jesuit Missions’ Community Engagement Manager
Families, parishioners and members of the wider community gathered at St Aloysius Parish, Glasgow, for this year’s Sustainability Picnic, enjoying an afternoon of discussion, reflection and practical action focused on caring for our common home.
Attendance was higher than last year’s event, demonstrating a growing commitment within our communities to environmental stewardship and sustainable living.
The picnic explored this year’s theme of Living Waters, inspired by Ezekiel’s vision of a river bringing life, healing and renewal.
Parishioners reflected on the precious nature of water, recognising that while water is essential for life, only a tiny fraction of the world’s freshwater is readily available for human use.
Drawing on examples from both the UK and Madagascar, the presentation highlighted the challenges of drought, flooding, water pollution and climate change, and their impact on people and ecosystems around the world.
Although planned political representatives were unfortunately unable to attend, this opened up valuable conversations about how ordinary people can respond when some of the world’s largest economies and highest carbon-emitting nations are not doing enough. A strong message emerged that every individual action matters.
There was also mention about emerging technologies and the environmental impact of artificial intelligence, particularly the significant water consumption associated with data centres. Those present were asked to consider how technology can be used responsibly while remaining mindful of its environmental footprint.
A particularly inspiring example came from Bittu Tabahi, a young student from India, who began cleaning a polluted local river on his own.
What started as one person’s commitment soon inspired others to join him, transforming an individual effort into a community movement. His story perfectly illustrated the central message of the afternoon: one act of care can encourage many more.
A Jesuit Missions’ presentation also referenced the work of its partner, the Centre Arrupe Madagascar, where young people are becoming environmental leaders, protecting water sources and educating their communities about caring for creation. This example demonstrated how environmental education, faith and community action can work together to create lasting change.
By the end, the image of living water had become a powerful symbol for everyone’s actions. Just as streams join together to form a flowing river, our individual acts of care, prayer, learning and advocacy can become a collective force that brings hope and healing to our damaged earth.
If your parish, school or community group would like to organise a Sustainability Picnic of your own, resources and guidance for planning and delivering an event are available here.
