Mumbai Catholic Parish Turns Recycled Materials Into a Message for Water Protection

A Catholic parish in Mumbai has found a creative way to highlight the importance of water by transforming discarded and natural materials into a symbolic “Living Water” installation. The display was created by the Salvation Green Cell of Our Lady of Salvation Church in Dadar, with support from the Archdiocesan Office for Environment. It focuses on water as a source of life and reflects concerns such as pollution, water shortages and flooding faced by the city. Installed on September 7, the display will remain at the parish until September 20, when a special Mass for the Season of Creation will be celebrated. The installation draws inspiration from the Bible’s image of “Living Water.” Its symbolic river begins at the church baptismal font, representing the new life associated with Baptism, before flowing outward toward representations of fish, plants, flowers and insects. Instead of buying new decorations, organisers used discarded sarees, dupattas, recycled materials, beach-cleanup waste, painted stones, bottles and natural plants. This approach was intended to demonstrate that environmental care can begin by reusing what is already available. After completing the installation, members gathered for prayer and lit tea lights representing hope and healing. Fr. Luke Rodrigues later blessed the display and encouraged parishioners to treat water as a valuable resource. The parish’s message is simple: protecting water is also protecting life. Organisers hope the installation will encourage people to reduce waste, recycle more and avoid pollution. The display forms part of the wider Season of Creation, observed by Christians from September 1 to October 4, which encourages prayer and practical action to care for the environment.