The Divine Word: Celebrating 150 Years of Missionary Work
As the Communications Coordinator for the Missionaries of the Divine Word, also known as SVDs or Verbites, I had the privilege of attending a recent conference in Rome that marked the society’s 150th anniversary. It was a gathering of over 200 missionary scholars, theologians, and practitioners from around the world, coming together to reflect on the theme of “Missio Dei in Today’s World: Healing Wounds, Challenged by Postmodernity, Learning from Cultures, Inspired by Religions.”
Fr. Stephen Bevans, SVD, set the tone for the conference by emphasizing the importance of mission as an outpouring of divine love, calling on participants to be “faithful partners in the divine dream.” This message of humility, hope, and universality was echoed by Cardinal Luis Antonio Tagle, who reminded us to listen, follow, and be sent into the world’s wounded spaces.
Embracing Change and Authenticity
The conference also addressed the challenges of the post-truth era, with speakers highlighting the need for authentic relationships and responsive mission work in a society longing for meaning. Dr. Pavol Bargár and Prof. Mika Vähäkangas emphasized the importance of ethical integrity and relational engagement in proclaiming the Gospel.
Fr. Estêvão Raschietti called for a decolonized mission focused on encounter rather than conquest, while workshops explored topics such as ecological healing, emerging technologies, and shifting missionary paradigms in Europe.
Fostering Dialogue and Diversity
The final day of the conference focused on intercultural engagement and interreligious dialogue, challenging participants to reimagine Christian mission as a shared pilgrimage with people of other faiths. Prof. Catherine Cornille and Fr. Antonio Pernia highlighted the importance of mutual transformation and interculturality in today’s diverse world.
Fr. Agbonkhianmeghe Orobator emphasized synodality as a cultural and spiritual journey, envisioning the Church as a “symphonic community” where all voices are heard and engaged. The conference also featured powerful testimonies, including that of former Philippine senator Leila de Lima, highlighting the Church’s prophetic witness in times of injustice.
A Mission of Healing and Hope
More than just a commemoration, the SVD International Mission Conference was a sacred space of discernment and collective soul-searching for the Church. It reaffirmed the Church’s mission of healing, accompanying, and serving with compassion in a world marked by division and complexity.
As Fr. Anselmo Ribeiro, SVD, reminded us, we are sent not to conquer, but to accompany. In a world longing for light and healing, the Church’s mission is to be a beacon of God’s love, witnessing to the hope of the Resurrection.
At a time of global uncertainty, the conference served as a powerful reminder that mission is not just an action of the Church, but an integral part of its identity—a symbol of God’s healing love sent from all nations to all nations.
* General Communications Coordinator for the Society of the Divine Word
