Chaplain's Corner

World Water Day - March 22nd

Each year on World Water Day, we are invited to reflect on the profound gift of water — a resource so woven into our daily lives that we can easily take it for granted. Yet across the globe, access to safe water remains a life-and-death issue. According to global health estimates, more than one million people die each year from waterborne diseases linked to unsafe drinking water, inadequate sanitation, and poor hygiene. Many of these deaths are preventable. As healthcare professionals and people of faith, this reality calls us to both gratitude for what we have and compassion for those who remain vulnerable.

Water is not only a necessity for physical survival; it is a matter of human dignity and justice. World Water Day reminds us that stewardship of creation includes mindful use of resources and advocacy for equitable access. In our work of healing — whether at the bedside, in leadership, or in quiet acts of service — we are reminded that caring for the whole person also means caring about the conditions that sustain life itself. May this day renew in us a deeper awareness, a spirit of stewardship, and a commitment to solidarity with our global family.

"O God, who created the Earth and all that is in it, we thank you for the abundant blessing of water and its availability in our lives.

You created water to be a source of life for your people. However, our community struggles with ensuring access of this gift to all of your people. Help us to be better stewards of your creation by being more aware of our misuse of water. Help us to advocate for public policies and private actions that make water more accessible to all of our global family." Amen.

(Prayer from Catholic Health Association 2013 World Water Day)

I consider it a privilege to serve the patients, families and staff at San Antonio Regional Hospital. We are here to provide a supportive presence during what can often be the darkest hour of their lives. We encourage anyone, irrespective of their spiritual or religious affiliation, or lack thereof, who needs additional support while in our hospital to reach out to the Spiritual Care Department. You can contact the Spiritual Care Department by dialing “26326” from any hospital phone or by making a request through your nurse.

We look forward to serving you!

Blessings,

Rev. Alexander J. Aaron, M.Div, BCC
Staff Chaplain
Phone: 909.920.6326