‘In the face of the terrible challenge of poverty afflicting so much of the world’s population, indifference and self-centered isolation stand in stark contrast to the ‘gaze’of Christ. Fasting and almsgiving, which, together with prayer, the Church proposes in a special way during the Lenten Season, are suitable means for us to become conformed to this ‘gaze’. The examples of the saints and the long history of the Church’s missionary activity provide invaluable indications of the most effective ways to support development. ‘Those who act according to the logic of the Gospel live the faith as friendship with God Incarnate and, like Him, bear the urden of the material and spiritual needs of their neighbors. They see it as annexhaustible mystery, worthy of infinite care and attention. They know that he who does not give God gives too little; as Blessed Teresa of Calcutta f requently observed, the worst poverty is not to know Christ. Therefore, we must help others to find God in the merciful face of Christ. Without this perspective, civilization lacks a solid foundation.’

shortages. Many millions of children die every year from waterborne diseases. And drought regularly afflicts some of the world ’s poorest countries. The world needs to respond much better. We need to increase water efficiency, especially in agriculture. We need to free women and girls from the daily chore of hauling water, often over great distances. We mustinvolve them in decision-making on water management.

We need to make sanitation a priority. This is where progress is lagging most. And we must show that water resources need not be a source of conflict. Instead, they can be a catalyst for cooperation. Significant gains have been made. But a major effort is still required. That is why this year marks the beginning of the ‘Water for Life’Decade. Our goal is to meet the internationally agreed targets for water and sanitation by 2015, and to build the foundation for further progress in the years beyond. This is an urgent matter of human development, and human dignity. Together we can provide safe, clean water to all the world’s people. The world’s water resources are our lifeline for survival, and for sustainable development in the 21-Century. Together we must manage them better.