What is the “Sister Water” project?

What is the “Sister Water” project?

According to Pope Francis (THE JOY OF THE GOSPEL, 190) “. . .With due respect for the autonomy and culture of every nation, we must never forget that the planet belongs to all mankind and is meant for all mankind; the mere fact that some people are born in places with few resources or less development does not justify the fact that they are living with less dignity. It must be reiterated that ‘the more fortunate should renounce some of their rights so as to place their goods more generously at the service of others.’ To speak properly of our own rights, we need to broaden our perspective and to hear the plea of other peoples and other regions than those of our own country. . .” It is with that spirit that the people of Assumption parish bring their support to Sister Water.

Sister Water is a project of the Sisters of St. Francis, Dubuque, Iowa, that has been supported in the past by longtime Assumption parishioners, Rudy and Sherry Tekippe. The Tekippes traveled to Tanzania in 2014 and bring witness to the basic need for water for Tanzanians, especially those living in rural areas. They met with Tanzanian volunteers who managed the building of shallow ring wells and participated in the installation of manual pumps, that now deliver clean, safe water to many peoples. Serving these people has greatly reduced the incidence of disease and eased the burden of women who often walk many miles to obtain a few gallons of water for their daily family needs. Now the Tekippes are bringing this project to Assumption to increase the awareness of the need and the opportunity to support such a life-sustaining project.

W. H. Auden said, “Many people live without love, but no one lives without water.” We are all called to be missionaries, and in the words of Pope Francis (THE JOY OF THE GOSPEL, 272) , “A committed missionary knows the joy of being a spring which spills over and refreshes others.” Let us share our resources and pray for those without safe drinking water. “Praised be you, my Lord, for Sister Water—humble, precious, life-giving, pure.” (St. Francis of Assisi Canticle of Creation)