Inspiring Gathering on the Theme of “Water in the Contemporary Era”

The Sisters of the Holy Names of Jesus and Mary (SNJM), together with the SNJM Volunteers experienced a meaningful time of reflection and dialogue during a gathering held on November 15 at Maison Jésus-Marie (MJM).

Understanding the Impact of Digital Technology on Water

Simon Lantz, partner in the Justice and Peace Committee SNJM Quebec

Under the theme “Water in the Contemporary Era,” Simon Lantz, partner with the SNJM Québec Justice and Peace Committee, explored the invisible impacts of smartphones, the Internet, computing, and artificial intelligence—what we commonly refer to as digital technology—on water and the environment. Through concrete and relatable examples, he shed light on the impacts we rarely see:

• a single web search can require the equivalent of a bottle of water;
• massive data centers—often windowless buildings—consume enormous amounts of water for cooling their servers.
  The participants were particularly struck by the example of Google’s data center in Iowa which consumed more than three billion litres of water in 2022.

Challenging the Myth of “Eco-Friendly Digital Technology”

The presentation, free of guilt-based messaging, sparked strong reactions among the those gathered. “Everyone learned something,” noted Sr. Lise Gagnon of the Justice Committee.

The examples shared helped debunk a widespread belief: digital technologies are not always more environmentally friendly than paper-based solutions.

A Deeper Sharing on Our Relationship with Creation

Following the break, Simon continued the conversation with the SNJM Volunteers, centering the discussion on a fundamental question: “Are we humans the pinnacle of creation or are we a part of it?”

This reflection opened a space where contemporary perspectives and spiritual foundations met. Participants revisited the evolution from a long-held anthropocentric worldview toward the vision promoted in Laudato Si’, which emphasizes interdependence and shared responsibility.

The summer’s critically low water levels in the St. Lawrence River—requiring the opening of Great Lakes locks to compensate—illustrated the urgency of adopting lifestyles that better protect water resources and dispelled the myth that Québec has “no water issues.”

The Ongoing Commitment of the SNJMs

Since adopting their corporate stand on water in 2008, the SNJMs have remained deeply committed to environmental stewardship and the path of integral ecology.

Looking Ahead

The next gathering of the SNJM Sisters and their Volunteers, will take place in May 2026. Sofia Ranke-Farro, member of the Justice and Peace Committee, will give a presentation on human trafficking. She opened the November meeting by sharing a short video on the participation of an SNJM delegation in the 2025 World March of Women, a topic featured in another article.

Sofia Ranke-Farro, partner member of the Justice and Peace Committee