As Christians, we recognise rivers as places of encounter with God. Think of the River Jordan, where Jesus was baptised (Matthew 3:13-17), and where the heavens opened, revealing the Spirit descending like a dove. Water in Scripture always signals transformation, life, and a return to grace. In the words of Pope Francis, "Our defence of the land and of Indigenous cultures is not just a political act, but a moral obligation grounded in our faith. "1

To read full homily, please download pdf.