- mission-animation
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- / Conference / SVD@150
Sent to Heal – Witnessing to the Light in a Wounded World was the theme of the opening day of the International Mission Conference
The day began with an opening prayer led by members of the Society of the Divine Word (SVD) and Missionary Sisters of the Holy Spirit (SSpS), setting a reverent and hopeful tone.
Fr. Anselmo Ribeiro, SVD, Superior General of the Society, offered a heartfelt welcome address, expressing gratitude for the diverse international presence and emphasizing the importance of shared mission in today’s complex and wounded world.
In the Inaugural Address, Luis Antonio G. Cardinal Tagle, Pro-Prefect of the Dicastery for Evangelization, reminded participants that “The Risen Lord—our hope—sends us on mission by the power of the Holy Spirit.” Drawing on rich biblical imagery, he emphasized how Jesus appears to us in moments of fear and confusion—not with reproach, but with peace and purpose. Through His wounds, He offers healing and calls us into mission. Cardinal Tagle reflected on Christ’s presence even when unrecognized—on the road to Emmaus, in the garden, or by the sea—transforming us into joyful missionaries of reconciliation. His call was clear: “It is the Lord.” Let us listen, follow, and be sent—again and again.
The Keynote Address, titled “The Mission of God in Today’s World: Healing Wounds, Challenged by Postmodernity, Learning from Cultures, Inspired by Religions,” was delivered by Stephen Bevans, SVD, Professor Emeritus at the Catholic Theological Union in Chicago. Fr. Bevans traced the roots of mission to the very origins of creation—an outpouring of the “fountain-like love” (Ad Gentes 2) of the Triune God. This divine love continues to draw all creation toward its fulfillment. Through the incarnation and the Spirit, God has called the Church to be a sacrament of this love.
Celebrating 150 years of SVD missionary service, Bevans invited the congregation to renew its commitment under the theme “Witnessing to the Light: From Everywhere, For Everyone.” He reminded the participants that, despite uncertainties, God continues to call people to heal wounds, engage in dialogue, embrace cultures, and be inspired by the spiritual riches of other traditions. The keynote concluded with a compelling call to mission—a call to be faithful partners in fulfilling the divine dream. The session was moderated by Mary Barron, OLA, President of the International Union of Superiors General (UISG).
Participants then attended one of four simultaneous workshop sessions that addressed urgent realities in mission today: Empowering the wounded and homeless (Fr. Flavie Villanueva, SVD); Confronting violence and restoring human dignity in Latin America (Petronella Maria Boonen, SSpS); Ecological healing and the missionary’s role (Joseph Kwame Blay, OFM); Missio Dei and the migration crisis (Gioacchino Campese, CS). Each workshop offered practical, contextual reflections and affirmed the Church’s prophetic role in accompanying wounded communities.
After a short break, the plenary resumed with a theological reflection by Nicoletta Gatti, Professor at the University of Ghana, titled “…By His Wounds You Have Been Healed” (1 Pet 2:24). Gatti spoke of the peace of the Risen Lord as a grace that allows us to dwell within suffering, because the Resurrection is already present in our lives. Referring to Christ’s wounds shown to the disciples (Jn 20:20, 27), she described them as “feritoie”—narrow openings through which God’s love enters, heals, and transforms. Echoing the prayer “Nascondimi dentro le tue piaghe” (“Hide me within Your wounds”), she called on listeners to embrace their fragile dignity and offer their healed wounds as hope to others.
The final address of the day was delivered by Former Senator Leila de Lima of the Philippines. In her powerful testimony, “Sanctuary and Savior: The Church in the Philippines During the Drug War,” she recounted the brutal impact of the Duterte administration’s drug war, which led to the extrajudicial killing of thousands. Drawing from her personal experience of nearly seven years of unjust imprisonment, she honored the Catholic Church’s prophetic role in offering sanctuary, truth, and justice. She praised the courage of clergy and laypeople who risked their lives to protect victims, give voice to the voiceless, and uphold the Gospel of life. De Lima concluded with a call to collective soul-searching, justice for victims, and a renewed commitment to the Church’s healing mission.
The first day of the conference left participants spiritually enriched and deeply inspired. The testimonies, theological insights, and intercultural exchanges illuminated the urgent relevance of mission in today’s world. Together, they affirmed that the Church is called to stand at the heart of human suffering—to listen, to heal, and to witness to the Light of Christ. It was a compelling beginning to a journey of shared reflection, renewal, and hope.
GMD
