Society
Of The Divine Word

Pope Francis: The Shepherd Among Us

Pope Francis’s papacy was truly transformative. He redefined the papacy’s role, living as a shepherd among us, always close to those on the fringes of society. His actions, guided by ‘the smell of the sheep,’ welcomed everyone with open arms and a compassionate heart, inspiring us with his transformative leadership. 

He once said, “I see the Church as a field hospital after battle,” emphasizing the importance of healing wounds before diving into theological debates. His actions spoke volumes—washing the feet of prisoners, reaching out to migrants and LGBTQ+ individuals, and showing us that being close to others is not just an option but a necessity.

Pope to the SVDs: Return to the source of your identity

On June 28, 2024, during the 19th General Chapter, Pope Francis delivered a heartfelt message to the capitulars that resonates deeply with its scope and concept of mission. The theme of the Chapter, “Your Light Must Shine Before Others (Mt 5:16): Faithful and Creative Disciples in a Wounded World,” set the stage for a time of reflection on the SVD’s charism and mission. 

Pope Francis emphasized that this Chapter is a moment to return to our (SVDs) source of identity—the Lord Jesus, the Word of salvation. He reminded us that God’s Word generates life, inspires, and motivates, becoming the focal point of our mission. The Incarnate Word reveals the Father’s merciful love, becoming the world’s light and urging his disciples to let their light shine before others. 

He encouraged us, missionaries, to foster a close relationship with Jesus, saying evangelization is achieved through familiarity with God’s Word. He spoke of the importance of being faithful disciples whose joy reflects the love we receive daily. Experiencing the love of the Trinity is vital for our growth as missionary disciples, and we must remain courageous and confident in God’s mercy, extending that same forgiveness to others. 

Pope Francis urged us to draw from the Word and the Spirit on the theme of creativity, emphasizing that actual missionary work comes from Christ living within us. He reassured us that Christ, not our efforts, attracts hearts to Himself. The Spirit is the true protagonist, and we are called to be docile instruments of His presence, reflecting His light in seventy-nine different countries where we serve. 

He highlighted pressing issues that require our urgent attention. The first is the urgent need to be peacemakers in a world of conflict and suffering. He invited us to listen to the cries of the oppressed, bringing Christ’s peace to those who need it most, especially the poor, migrants, and marginalized communities. This urgent call to action should motivate us to redouble our efforts in these areas, instilling in us a sense of responsibility and urgency. 

Pope Francis also called upon us to be bearers of hope in every culture, encouraging us to become signs of hope in a wounded world. He reminded us that our mission goes beyond mere words; we must embody hope and love, exercising the gifts of our baptism and our unique charism as Divine Word Missionaries.

Furthermore, he underscored the importance of synodality, urging us to cultivate an open and welcoming Church where every voice is heard. He emphasized that synodality is inherently missionary, encouraging us to promote a community lifestyle that fosters dialogue and discernment in the Holy Spirit. 

The Living Word: Our Source of Mission

At the core of Pope Francis’s message was the reminder that our identity comes from the incarnate Word—Jesus of Nazareth. He encouraged us to “return to the Lord Jesus, the Word of salvation,” urging that our mission should stem from personal encounters rather than just programs. It’s about forming genuine connections that reflect God’s love and mercy.

Faithful Disciples: Joy that Attracts

Pope Francis challenged us to be faithful disciples whose lives radiate the joy of the Gospel, even in the face of fatigue and struggles. This joy is a personal experience and a powerful tool that can awaken hope in those we serve and authenticate our witness. When we share the joy of faith, we inspire others to seek the light that shines through us.

Creative Mission: Spirit-Led Innovation

In a world that often prioritizes efficiency over compassion, Pope Francis reminded us that true creativity should come from Christ living within us and the guidance of the Holy Spirit. He emphasized that “realities are greater than ideas,” encouraging us to discern how best to embody the Gospel in every context. This is a call for innovation that honors our mission and respects the people we serve.

Peacemakers and Justice Advocates

Pope Francis urged us to become peacemakers in a world marred by conflict, environmental crises, and social inequality. He asked us to listen to the cries of the oppressed—migrants, the poor, and those facing discrimination—and to carry Christ’s peace into their lives. His words echo the risen Lord: “Peace be with you.”

Hope for Every Culture

Pope Francis encouraged us to be messengers of hope in every culture, trusting the Holy Spirit even when things feel uncertain. As advocates of inculturation, we are called to respect local traditions while spreading a “new culture of love and hope” grounded in truth. This balance fosters understanding and unity in diversity.

Synodal Missionaries

Championing the idea of synodality, Pope Francis invited us to walk together through listening, dialogue, and discernment. He envisioned communities as welcoming homes where every voice is heard and the Spirit moves among the simple and the distant. This is an invitation to create spaces where everyone feels valued and included in the mission, emphasizing the importance of each individual’s contribution.

Care for Our Common Home

Pope Francis’s encyclical Laudato Si left us with a beautiful ecological vision: Our “common home” is like a sister and mother, reminding us to engage in inclusive conversations about climate and social justice. His environmental legacy inspires us to seek a just transition toward renewable resources, caring for the Earth as a sacred duty.

Pope Francis is pushing for transparency and reform.

Beyond these inspiring themes, Pope Francis leaves us with a rich legacy that embraces humility, pastoral creativity, and a commitment to the marginalized. He pushed for transparency and reform within the Vatican, urging homilies that ignite hearts and meet people where they are. 

His dedication to caring for people experiencing poverty became a hallmark of his papacy. His global vision bridged divides and modeled intercultural solidarity. He consistently invited us to create platforms and safe spaces of healing and support, embodying the essence of a field hospital Church. 

As we embrace our Jubilee theme—”Witnessing to the light, From everywhere, to everyone”—let us become field-hospital missionaries, channels of mercy and hope, illuminating the world with Christ’s light. May we respond with courage, creativity, and compassion, trusting that as we heal others, we, too, are healed and renewed by the Divine Word.

SVDs in the Philippines embodying the joy of the Gospel

Since 1909, the Divine Word Missionaries’ work and apostolate have been vital in the Philippines. Our journey has been marked by growth and commitment to serve in numerous parishes, educational institutions, and specialized ministries. Our activities are in the four characteristic dimensions of our mission: mission animation, JPIC, bible apostolate, and communication. 

In every corner where we serve, we strive to embody the Spirit of Pope Francis, ensuring that we remain tuned to the “smell of the sheep.” As we reflect on Pope Francis’s wake-up call, we must consider how his messages challenge us to deepen our missionary efforts in our “field hospitals.” 

His teachings remind us that the source and strength of our mission lie in the Incarnate Word, Jesus Christ. We are called to immerse ourselves in the realities of those we serve, to become living witnesses of His love, and to engage creatively with the world’s pressing issues.

As we carry forward the legacy of Pope Francis, let us pause and reflect on these questions that challenge our hearts and minds:

1. How can we better embody the joy of the Gospel in our daily interactions with those we serve?
2. In what ways are we listening to the cries of the marginalized in our communities, and how can we respond more effectively?
3. What creative approaches can we employ to ensure our ministries resonate with the diverse cultures we encounter?
4. How can we foster an environment of synodality within our communities, where every voice is valued and heard?
5. What steps can we take to become true peacemakers in a world of conflict and division?
6. How do we nurture and sustain the flame of the Spirit within ourselves and our communities, especially during challenging times?
7. What does it mean for us to “know the smell of the sheep,” and how can we deepen that connection with those we serve?
8. How can our actions reflect the love and mercy of God in our various ministries?

In conclusion, let us honor Pope Francis’s legacy by embracing his calls to action and allowing his teachings to guide us. He said, “No vocation is born of itself or lives for itself. A vocation flows from the heart of God and blossoms in the good soil of faithful people.”

As Divine Word Missionaries, may we shine brightly in our world, carrying forth the light of Christ to heal wounds and bring hope to those who need it most? Let us continue to trust the Divine Word as our source of strength and inspiration, knowing that our mission abounds with the love and mercy we have received.