DETROIT — On Saturday, Sept. 19, fifty-one people gathered at St. Suzanne Cody Rouge Community Resource Center in Detroit to pray, learn, explore, and reflect on the beauty and sacredness of God’s creation, in particular the gift of water. The event was sponsored by Dominican Center: Spirituality for Mission and St. Suzanne Cody Rouge Community Resource Center.
The time together opened with prayer as Chris Kendall, music minister at Gesu Parish in Detroit, led the group in a spirited and soulful “Wade in the Water.” Participants poured water into a bowl, nourishing a beautiful arrangement of flowers gathered from local rain gardens — a moment to slow down and recognize water as a gift from God.
From there, Naim Edwards, director of Michigan State University’s Detroit Partnership for Environmental Stewardship and a member of St. Charles Borromeo Parish in Detroit, explored the scientific significance of water, explaining its role in sustaining life while keeping participants engaged with energy, humor and gravity.
Deacon Steve Morello then offered a blessing with sage using a traditional Native American ritual, before blessing lunch that was provided by chef and social activist Chef Bee.
The afternoon carried that spirit of attentiveness outdoors as the group ventured into Rouge Park with Noor Ahmad of Friends of Rouge Park. From the warmth of the bus, participants explored the park’s playgrounds, the rookery where blue herons nest, and the large rain garden at Warren and Outer Drive that provides habitats and diverts dangerous rainwater from damaging approximately 1,200 homes in the surrounding area. Noor’s knowledge and enthusiasm helped participants see more deeply the connections among water, plants, animals, and people.
As they explored the outdoors, Mother Nature provided her own contribution to a day celebrating water, as rain became part of the experience, reminding participants of the gift of God in action.
The day concluded with the Prayer of Creation 2026, bringing together gratitude for the earth, reflection on humanity’s responsibility for creation, and hope for the future.
Information for this article was provided by the Dominican Center: Spirituality for Mission. To learn more about upcoming opportunities, visit dominicancenter.org.
