Living Water: Global Faith Network Calls for Climate Justice and Community Action

As part of the annual Season of Creation 2026 observances, members, partners, supporters, and leaders of the Camillian Disaster Service International (CADIS) gathered virtually across multiple time zones under the unifying theme of "Living Water" (Ezekiel 47).

The global webinar brought together representatives and friends of CADIS from the Americas, Africa, Europe, Asia, and Australia.

Fr. Almar Roman, MI, the moderator, opened the webinar with a prayer invoking the Holy Spirit, the Blessed Virgin Mary, and St. Camillus de Lellis. He welcomed participants from the Americas, Africa, Europe, Asia, and Australia, noting the diversity of time zones as a symbol of shared global responsibility for creation. He invited the participants to reflect on the climate crisis, honor foundational leaders, and highlight grassroots projects restoring dignity and livelihoods to vulnerable communities.

1. Honoring a Legacy of Service: Tribute to Bob McMillan

The event opened with a moving tribute delivered by Fr. Meng Barawid honoring the late Robert William "Bob" McMillan, a founding board member and liaison officer of CADIS Australia.

Since joining CADIS on July 14, 2018, McMillan served as a driving force behind global fundraising campaigns, setting a personal goal to raise 1 million AUD for emergency missions—a target CADIS Australia is now on the brink of achieving. Remembering his unwavering commitment to future generations, participants renewed their pledge to carry forward his legacy of care for creation and disaster-affected communities.

CADIS President, Bro. Ignacio Santaolalla Saez, MI, delivered the official opening message, welcoming participants and framing the theme of "Living Water" within the context of the global climate emergency. 

2. Keynote: Moving from Extraction to Ecological Transformation

Delivering the keynote address, Athena Peralta, Program Executive for Economic and Ecological Justice at the World Council of Churches, framed the ecological crisis not merely as an environmental failure, but as a systemic and spiritual emergency.

Key Keynote Insights:

• Breaching Planetary Boundaries: Citing WMO reports indicating 2015–2025 as the hottest decade on record, Peralta noted that 7 out of 9 critical planetary boundaries (including freshwater systems and climate integrity) are currently breached.
• The "Capitalocene" Crisis: Peralta argued that the driver of degradation is an economic system based on endless extraction, fossil fuel dependency, and wealth accumulation at the expense of local habitats.
• A Three-Pillar Spiritual Response:

1. Sufficiency over Accumulation: Shifting from "more" to "enough" to distinguish human flourishing from artificial consumption.
2. Resistance as Love: Standing in solidarity with indigenous groups, farmers, and frontline communities facing land and water exploitation.
3. Systemic Transformation: Reimagining economies focused on collective care and advocating for debt jubilees ("Turn Debt into Hope") alongside global wealth taxes.

3. Grassroots Impact: Grassroot Testimonies from Around the Globe

CADIS Brazil: Integral Ecology in Action

Kleberson Massaro Rodrigues presented CADIS Brazil’s four strategic mission branches:

• Amazon River Delta Health Missions: Volunteer healthcare deployments serving remote island communities, incorporating new telemedicine initiatives and surgical interventions.
• Laudato Si' Sustainability: A commitment to transition 42+ hospitals and university centers to renewable energy, phase out high-emission medical gases (nitrous oxide), and green local vehicle fleets.
• Disaster & Migration Support: Active emergency responses and local employment integration programs for vulnerable migrant populations.

Indigenous Stewardship in the Philippines

Representing the Aeta community of Botolan, Zambales, Tubag Jugatan (Lito) shared testimony on the sacred bond between indigenous identities, mountains, and water systems. Water is understood not as a commodity, but as a sacred life source requiring defense and preservation against destructive development.

Water and Food Security in Kenya

Brian Parkolwa, a young farmer from the Salabani Farmers CBO in Baringo, Kenya, demonstrated how CADIS-backed solar-powered water pumps restored agricultural stability to a drought-prone region.

"Water is life. Water is a gift. Access to reliable water restored our hope and proved that communities can rebuild when given the right tools."

4. Looking Ahead: Calls to Action

In his concluding remarks, CADIS Director, Fr. Aris Miranda, MI, highlighted recent data showing that 3.5 billion people face water scarcity globally. He urged the network to oppose the privatization of water and announced key upcoming operational milestones:

1. World Day of Victims of Disasters (October 13): A global day of prayer, reflection, and awareness for disaster-impacted populations.
2. Ecumenical Decade of Climate Justice Action: Multi-year faith advocacy commitment for systemic policy reform.
3. Emergency Relief Campaigns: Ongoing resource mobilization for earthquake-affected regions in Venezuela, Colombia, and Indonesia, alongside flood relief in the Philippines.