SVD
Generalate

As we welcome the new leadership teams of all PRMs for 2026 – 2029 triennium, we would like to recall a profound characteristic of leadership in our congregation which is servant leadership. Jesus was a leader who was called Master. While he did not refuse the title, he showed that what it really meant and led to was service. Our Constitution (c.601) and the 16th General Chapter defined our leadership as a commitment to serve. This requires an attitude of “solidarity, respect and love” (GC 16 #51). Effective leaders in our Society play three important roles: animation, coordination and administration… as administrators, they act as “faithful and prudent servants” the Master has set over the household to serve the community and take care of our properties” (CG 16 #52).

Meanwhile, the 18th General Chapter underlined the other side of leadership which is responsible membership. Inspired by our Constitutions we are called to become more supportive, sympathetic and understanding of those in leadership positions. Servant membership is to have a positive and healthy appreciation of the work of our confreres in leadership positions. Those in leadership positions embrace and accept the will of God manifested through our religious community. They do so in loving obedience to the one who loves us first (GC 18 #36). We are called to assume servant leadership in the spirit of the Constitution and as servant members to collaborate with our confreres in leadership positions.

In management theory, servant leadership means a style in which a leader focuses on the growth and well-being of the ones he/she leads; that in spite of the members serving the leader, the leader serves the members. The key words are to lead by example, encouragement, respect and appreciation, listening and empathy, collaboration and full participation.

For SVD PRMs leadership team servant leadership is not merely a style of leadership but a part of spirituality. Servant leadership is their way of life and of leading the mission. We invite all new PRMs leadership team to take the inspiration of St. Joseph, the foster father of Jesus and the patron of workers, families, and the Universal Church. As the leader of the holy family Nazareth, St. Joseph led the Nazareth family through difficult times based on trust in God, obedience to His will, and humble leadership.

Trust in God and obedience to His will. Joseph’s life was filled with uncertainties and great confusion. However, he obeyed God’s command to take Mary as his wife. He trusted God to provide shelter for the Holy Family at the time of Jesus’ birth. He quietly led them and kept them safe on their dangerous sojourn to Egypt and led them back to Nazareth. Through it all, he relied not on his own understanding and strength but on God’s guidance.

St. Paul, the great missionary, learned to gradually free himself from his own interests and ambitions, and put Jesus as the center of his life. He knew eventually that he could no longer rely on his own capacity and accomplishments but on Christ and His love for him. “But whatever was to my profit I now consider loss for the sake of Christ” (Philp. 3:7).

The realities and contexts of doing God’s mission in this rapidly changing world become more and more difficult for the leaders at all levels of SVD leadership. “Ad intra” and “Ad extra” challenges very often led to dilemmatic situations and difficult decisions. A leader can easily fall into anxiety in making decisions. Some may fall into authoritarianism and be overconfident with their capacity and strength. Following St. Joseph, all SVD leaders should bring their concerns to prayer, seeking God’s wisdom and direction.

Humility and silent strength. Scripture does not record a single spoken word from St. Joseph, yet his actions speak volumes. He obeyed God without hesitation. He did not seek recognition or status but quietly fulfilled his God-given responsibilities.

Henry Nouwen, the famous spiritual writer says: “What makes the temptation of power so seemingly irresistible? Maybe it is that power offers an easy substitute for the hard task of love. It seems easier to be God than to love God, easier to control people than to love people, easier to own life than to love life. (When) Jesus asks, “Do you love me”, we (may in response) ask, “Can we sit at your right hand and your left hand in your kingdom?”

In today’s world, where self-promotion and competition often take center stage, Joseph’s silent humility is a reminder that true leadership is not about social attributes or honor but about faithfulness to our calling. His life challenges all SVD leaders to embrace their work with a spirit of service rather than self-glorification. Leadership in SVD calls for humility. Effective servant leaders don’t just speak but humbly listen to the members. They give ample opportunity for all members to be heard, and then, listen carefully to what is being said and potentially what is not being said. They give others full attention, care and empathy.

Through St. Joseph intercessions, may Jesus Christ, the Light, help all our new PRM leadership team to become His truly faithful and humble servants of His mission in the wounded world.

The Generalate Leadership Team.