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SVD Bishops and Generalate Gather in Nemi for Historic Forum
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The eighteen bishops are part of the 47 SVD bishops in the world today. All of them are among the 147 bishops who have served in the Society during its 150-year history. Representing diverse countries and mission contexts, the participants included:
EUROPE Zone:
- Cardinal Ladislav Nemet, Archbishop of Belgrade (Serbia)
- Bishop Jerzy Mazur, Diocese of Ełk (Poland)
PANAM Zone:
- Bishop José Luis Corral, Diocese of Añatuya (Argentina)
- Bishop Carlos Pellegrin, Diocese of Chillán (Chile) Emeritus
- Bishop Jorge Patricio Vega, Archdiocese of Valparaíso (Chile)
ASPAC Zone
- Bishop Chacko Thottumarickal, Diocese of Indore (India)
- Archbishop Alangaram Durairaj, Archdiocese of Bhopal (India)
- Bishop Devprasad Ganawa, Diocese of Jhabua (India)
- Archbishop John Barwa, Archdiocese of Cuttack-Bhubaneswar (India)
- Bishop Telesphore Bilung, SVD, Doicese of Jamshedpur (India)
- Archbishop Douglas Young, Archdiocese of Mount Hagen (Papua New Guinea) Emeritus
AFRAM Zone
- Archbishop Zeferino Zeca Martins, Archdiocese of Huambo (Angola)
- Bishop Antonio Francisco Jaca, Diocese of Benguela (Angola)
- Bishop Estanislau Marques Chindecasse, Diocese of Saurimo (Angola)
- Archbishop ad personam Frank Atese Nubuasah, Diocese of Francistown (Botswana)
- Bishop Gabriel Edoe Kumordji, Diocese of Keta-Akatsi (Ghana)
- Bishop John Alphonse Asiedu, Apostolic Vicariate of Donkorkrom (Ghana)
- Archbishop Alexander Thomas Kaliyanil, Archdiocese of Bulawayo (Zimbabwe)
Also present from the SVD Generalate were Fr. Anselmo Ribeiro, Superior General; Fr. Jerome Marquez, General Council Member; Fr. Maxwell Wullar, Secretary General; Fr. Marcelo E. Cattáneo, General Coordinator for Mission Animation; and Fr. Marlon Vargas from the Generalate Media Department.
Building Bridges and Renewing Communion
Initiated by the Superior General, the gathering took place during two milestone celebrations: the Jubilee Year of the Universal Church and the 150th anniversary of the Society. Its purpose was to strengthen communion and dialogue between SVD bishops and the Society, especially for those whose ministries often place them far from SVD communities.
“One thing we have experienced here together is the deep joy we have in our vocation as SVDs — and also the joy we have in our vocation as bishops. We are SVD bishops,” the participants affirmed.
The forum addressed a challenge that has accompanied the Society since its early days: when an SVD confrere is appointed a bishop, the event has sometimes been seen as a loss to the Society rather than a blessing. After 150 years, the bishops called for a renewed vision that sees episcopal ministry as an integral and enriching expression of the SVD charism and mission.
The forum was enriched by the insights of Fr. Luis Ignacio Rois Alonso, OMI, Superior General of the Oblates of Mary Immaculate, who shared his Society’s positive and fruitful experience of bishops, rooted in the fact that their founder was himself a bishop. He recalled Pope Francis’ teaching that religious communities form part of a “charismatic family” — priests, brothers, sisters, and laity — all sharing the founder’s charism.
The bishops affirmed their unique role within the SVD, especially in:
- Fostering communion within the Society and their dioceses.
- Encouraging active participation, especially among lay missionary groups.
- Promoting mission animation and evangelization.
- Bringing a missionary spirit into the heart of the institutional Church.
Moments of Grace, Pilgrimage, and Encounter
The forum was marked not only by formal discussions but also by prayer, fraternity, and memorable experiences.
A highlight was the General Audience with Pope Leo, during which the bishops had the joy of personally greeting the Holy Father.
That same day, they visited the Tomb of Bishop Johann Baptist Anzer, pausing for prayer and remembrance of this pioneering missionary.
They also made a fraternal visit to the Generalate of the Missionary Servants of the Holy Spirit (SSpS), sharing in prayer, mission stories, and mutual encouragement. Participants described it as “a day filled with light, prayer, and gratitude — a true transfiguration of hearts.”
The bishops also visited the Collegio del Verbo Divino in Rome, celebrating Mass and enjoying dinner with confreres.
As part of the Jubilee pilgrimage, they prayed at the Basilica of Saint Paul Outside the Walls and the Basilica of Saint Peter, passing through the Holy Door — a moment of profound spiritual significance that connected their gathering to the wider life of the universal Church.
Looking to the Future
The forum concluded with practical steps for continued collaboration: appointing a coordinator for SVD bishops, holding triennial gatherings, exploring continental-level meetings, and improving communication with the Society’s leadership.
As they departed Nemi, the bishops carried with them a renewed sense of unity, purpose, and missionary zeal. Their message was clear: the episcopal ministry of SVD bishops is not a departure from the Society but a unique and vital way of living the SVD charism — enriching both the SVD and the Church it serves.
