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SVD Leadership Gathers in Rome for Caucus: “A Witness of Communion in Service to Mission”
Kasmir Nema, SVD
The gathering united twenty-one participants for a week of prayer, discernment, and strategic planning. Attendees included the Superior General and his Council, the Coordinators of the four Characteristic Dimensions and the Zonal Coordinators. Rounding out the leadership team were the Procurator General, Secretary General, and Treasurer General, alongside the Secretaries for Formation, Education, and Brothers.
The meeting marked a significant milestone, occurring exactly one and a half years into the current leadership’s governance, a period described by Superior General Fr. Anselmo Ricardo Ribeiro, SVD, as a “genuine time of transition.”
A Time of Transition and Fidelity
In his opening address, Fr. Anselmo set a tone of realism and responsibility. He noted that the team has moved beyond the initial momentum of the General Chapter and is now in a “sensitive phase” that requires clear thinking and perseverance.
“We have arrived at the moment to assess our activities in light of the action plans we have adopted,” Fr. Anselmo stated. “We do so… without losing sight of the search for a shared vision regarding our resources, the exercise of a collegial method of leadership, and constant attention to the social, ecclesial, and missionary context.”
The timing of the Caucus also coincided with the Feast of the SVD Founder, St. Arnold Janssen, on January 15. The participants invoked his intercession to guide the Society’s witness of communion.
Focus on Synodality: Walking Together
A central pillar of the gathering was the ongoing formation theme: “SVD Leadership in a Synodal Church.” To deepen this reflection, the caucus welcomed Fr. Iosefo Raas, SVD, former Provincial of the Australia Province.
Having participated in the Synodal event in Rome, Fr. Raas shared his firsthand experience and insights with the leadership team, emphasizing the urgent need to implement specific synodal characteristics into SVD leadership structures globally.
He highlighted that for the Society to remain relevant and faithful, its leaders must embrace walking together as a unified body while establishing listening and dialogue as standard methods of operation.
Furthermore, he called for a renewed focus on communion and mission, underpinned by active participation and discernment in all decision-making processes.
This session provided the framework for Fr. Anselmo’s subsequent challenge to the assembly regarding the upcoming Workshop for New Province, Region and Mission (PRM) Leaders in June.
“What kind of leadership do we want to form for our PRMs?” he asked, urging the officials to ensure that this synodal style reaches the grassroots level, transforming relationships until the 2030 General Chapter.
Strategic Planning and Global Mission
Beyond spiritual reflection, the Caucus addressed concrete administrative and missionary realities by shifting focus to the practical implementation of the Society’s goals.
The assembly evaluated reports on the Action Plans of 2025 and explored specific strategies for the growth and support of developing missions. Discussions also turned to the critical topic of self-reliance, examining pathways toward financial sustainability and project development.
Furthermore, a dedicated panel on the General Visitation in the Africa-Madagascar (AFRAM) zone provided the leadership with essential criteria to guide future discernment regarding the Society’s ongoing presence on the continent.
Looking Forward with Hope
The gathering concluded with a review of the First Missionary Assignments, a moment Fr. Anselmo described it as a particular “gift” and a sign of hope.
In his closing remarks, the Superior General expressed deep gratitude for the “freedom of sharing” and the spirit of communion experienced during the week.
He noted that while significant challenges remain, the leadership is “walking together, with realism, responsibility, and hope.”
The meeting solidified the Generalate’s commitment to a leadership method that is collegial, participatory, and deeply attentive to the Missio Dei.
