Jesuit Retreat Center in Mumbai Creates ‘Living Water’ Display for Season of Creation

Vinayalaya, a Jesuit retreat and formation center in Andheri, Mumbai, western India, created a contemplative display on the theme “Living Water” for the Season of Creation 2026, inviting visitors to reflect on their responsibility to care for creation and the environment.

The initiative followed a half-day creative session organized by the Archdiocesan Office for Environment in Matunga on August 23. Three members of the Vinayalaya community attended the session, which encouraged participants to explore creative ways to help people pause and reflect on the Season of Creation.

Inspired by the session, the community created a display centered on the biblical image of living water. A small fountain at its center continuously flows, recalling the river flowing from the sanctuary in Ezekiel 47 that brings life and renewal wherever it reaches.

Green plants around the fountain represent life sustained by water, while fish, leaves, roots and other handmade elements point to the diversity and richness of creation.

Four members of the community worked together on the display using limited materials and resources. Lights, plants and handmade elements were arranged to portray a river bringing life to its surroundings.

Small placards placed around the display carry messages such as, “Creation is God’s first book; let us learn to read it,” and “Care for creation is care for our common home.”

The project also became an exercise in community cooperation.

“When we work together, anything is possible,” said Rupesh, reflecting on the experience.

For Steve, the display continued to influence his attitude toward nature even after its completion.

“The contemplative display reminds me to be kind and caring towards nature even after we finished doing it, even till now,” he said.

Ferdinand said the project strengthened his sense of personal responsibility for the environment.

“Responsibility is what this project has taught me: my responsibility as a citizen that I have towards Mother Earth,” he said.

Working with limited resources also led the community to reflect on conservation.

“When we have so much, we don’t realize the need for conservation and preservation,” one community member said. “Not having sometimes helps us realize the need to care for Mother Earth.”

The Season of Creation, observed from September 1 to October 4, encourages Christians to renew their relationship with God and creation.

Vinayalaya hopes the “Living Water” display will encourage visitors not only to appreciate creation but also to take responsibility for its care, healing and renewal.

Located amid the noise and pollution of Mumbai, Vinayalaya provides a peaceful, green setting for retreats, seminars and formation programs. The center cultivates trees, plants, vegetables and herbs, while fallen leaves are collected and turned into compost to nourish the gardens. Its ecological setting also provides space for programs focused on care for creation.