A Few Words About Water and World Water Week 2013

Plaque as seen on the Chicago Water Tower on Michigan Ave., Chicago, IL

As a Healthy Waters enthusiast I was reminded via email today by Melanie Guste, rscj that this week (Sept 1- 6, 2013) is World Water Week in Stockholm.

Yesterday, as I walked up Michigan Ave., I took the above photo, so today as I think about some of the important questions that are going to be discussed at WWW in Stockholm, I wonder how each of us would respond to these important questions about our water supply.  I am aware that since the late 19th century educational and religious institutions here in Chicago have been exempt from paying tax for their water supply. However, I also know that when my mother's water bill came in at ten times the usual cost due to a toilet constantly running the solution was easily fixed with a new flapper.  Since then, I have become more aware of water usage and as I get older I hope the little bit I do will help.  I try not to run the water while brushing my teeth and do not flush the toilet every trip to the bathroom. And, I have become extremely conscientious about a running toilet.

The more I thought about the issue of water and its importance, I recalled that in my exhaustive research of Sacred Heart history some years ago, I came across a newspaper article written in August of 1904.  The article states that as the newly constructed Convent of the Sacred Heart in Lake Forest, IL now known as Woodlands Academy of the Sacred Heart was about to open its doors, the newspaper headline in the Chicago Tribune read: "BIG SCHOOL IS DRY... Sacred Heart Nuns Find New Convent Lacks Water Supply". Yes, apparently after Mother Marie Van den Abeele, rscj had finished supervising construction of the new Convent of the Sacred Heart boarding school at a cost of $300,000 there was no water!  

As the story reported in the Chicago Tribune states: "The big building was completed; every gleaming white bath tub and nickeled water faucet was in place. So the nuns gave the order. 'Turn on the water'."   However, it was soon discovered that the school had no water!  Apparently, there was no water main in the street that connected to the property.  As the story was told: "Negotiations now are being carried on with the Lake Forest municipal authorities to secure the extension of the main.  This, the nuns expect, will be done at once, although if a special assessment for the work is necessary property owners may protest.  The members of the order, however, are determined to have the building ready for school next month, whatever the cost."  Thus a series of negotiations ensued and eventually enabled the municipal authorities to agree to secure an extension to the main supply. 

To read the rest of the history of the Convent of the Sacred Heart also known as Barat College in Lake Forest, IL.,  go to Sr. Martha Curry, rscj website (http://marthacurrybook.info) for details on how to order her book, BARAT COLLEGE: A LEGACY, A SPIRIT AND A NAME.  

And, to view a live stream of World Water Week 2013: opening plenary - click here

Honoring Mothers with Healthy Waters

This year we celebrate Mother's Day on May 12th.  How do you plan to honor or remember your Mother?  For Sacred Heart alums of yesteryear we remember our educational "Mothers" ... the many RSCJ who touched our lives in so many ways.  

Sacred Heart alums are taught to live out St. Madeleine Sophie Barat’s vision of “social awareness that impels to action”.  If you have not had a chance to browse the new RSCJ website I encourage you to do so.  You will see that the RSCJ continue to educate us with a powerful group called Healthy Waters and Coastal Restoration Group.  To read an update and/ or if you wish to join the group - click here. 

And, Just in time for Mother’s Day, Water.org has released a powerful and inspirational video called “Three Mothers, Three Stories", narrated by Jodie Foster.  The link to the short video was forwarded to me by Melanie Guste, RSCJ.  It is meant to inspire us and I think it will!  

Info below is taken from www.rscj.org

RSCJ .... Our Mission Lived

The Healthy Waters and Coastal Restoration Interest Group formed in 2009 in response to the continuing environmental crisis in the New Orleans area following Hurricane Katrina four years earlier. Group members participate in advocacy networks, sign petitions, and share information, resources and prayer. The group’s goal is to live the priority for Justice, Peace and Integrity of Creation of the General Chapter of 2008:

Journeying with peoples of different contexts, races, and cultures, and listening profoundly to the joys and suffering of humanity have allowed us to be touched by the poverty, inequality, exclusion, violence, and environmental destruction that are present in today’s world. We recognize with greater clarity the interconnectedness of global realities and the impact these have on our local situations. We are more aware of the marginalizing effects of globalization and of cultures of dominance and exclusion. (Chapter 2008)

Members of the Society of the Sacred Heart believe that “to educate is in itself an act of justice,” (Letter of the General Council, June, 2006) so they educate themselves and others as citizens of God’s world and of creation. An important dimension to their activities is conscientious living, that is, making small daily choices in their lifestyle to reflect respect for creation.

The Healthy Waters and Coastal Restoration Group has a Facebook group, open to anyone interested in learning more about living in harmony with the environment. Please visit the page and click the “ask to join” button. All members of the Sacred Heart family and friends are also invited to join the Healthy Waters Group and learn more about this critical issue. If you are interested in getting involved, please contact Sister Melanie Guste at mguste@rscj.org.