Mumbai Parish Uses Recycled Materials to Create ‘Living Water’ Display for Season of Creation

A Catholic parish in Mumbai, western India, has created a contemplative “Living Water” display using recycled, upcycled and natural materials to mark the Season of Creation 2026 and draw attention to the importance of protecting water.

The Salvation Green Cell (SGC) of Our Lady of Salvation Church in Dadar, a densely populated neighborhood in central Mumbai, created the display with the support of the Archdiocesan Office for Environment. The installation reflects on water as a source of life, hope and healing amid ecological challenges, including concerns over water scarcity, pollution and flooding in the Indian metropolis.

The display was installed on Sept. 7 during the parish’s Nativity Novena and will remain until Sept. 20, when the parish will celebrate a special Season of Creation Mass.

Inspired by the biblical theme of “Living Water,” the display draws on the prophet Ezekiel’s vision of a river bringing life to creation: “Thus, wherever the river flows, swarms of living creatures will live.”

The symbolic river begins at the church’s baptismal font, recalling the waters of Baptism through which Christians receive new life in Christ. From the font, the flowing “water” moves outward, carrying life downstream to fish, plants, flowers and insects.

The display uses flowing cloth, including dupattas, sarees and other discarded materials, in shades of blue and green with touches of pink. Other elements include plastic flowers recovered during a beach cleanup, pebbles painted as butterflies and ladybugs, and bottles containing messages of gratitude.

Natural elements, including rooted sweet potato tubers and long-stalked plants, were also incorporated.

In keeping with the spirit of ecological responsibility, SGC members deliberately avoided purchasing new materials. Everything used in the installation was reused, recycled, upcycled or sourced from nature.

After completing the display, the members gathered in prayer and lit tea lights symbolizing hope and healing. The prayerful moment provided an opportunity for reflection on the deeper meaning of the “Living Water” theme.

Fr. Luke Rodrigues, head of the Archdiocesan Office for Environment, blessed the display on Sept. 8. He highlighted the interconnectedness of life and the need to protect water as a precious resource.

“Cherish water, because in that, you are truly cherishing life,” he said, urging people to conserve water, recycle, minimize waste and avoid pollution.

Andrew Williams, head of the Salvation Green Cell, said the display gives parishioners an opportunity to reflect on the nourishing effect of water and how easily it can be taken for granted in an urban setting such as Mumbai.

A parishioner noted that Mumbai needs creative reminders about protecting water because the city faces both water scarcity and destructive flooding.

The display aims to encourage ecological conversion—a change in attitudes and lifestyles flowing from spiritual conversion. Through the visual experience, the parish hopes to help people recognize their responsibility as stewards of creation.

The parish will continue its Season of Creation observances with a special liturgy on Sept. 20, followed by its annual Blessing of Pets on Oct. 4.

The ecumenical Season of Creation, observed from Sept. 1 to Oct. 4, invites Christians to pray, rejoice in God’s creation and renew their commitment to caring for the common home.