Society
Of The Divine Word

On Saturday, July 19, 2025, the venue hosted a landmark event: a Book Review of “21st Century Missionaries: A New Paradigm of ‘Real-Time’ Mission by the SVD, SSpS, and SSpSAP in the Digital Era post-150 Years of the SVD Worldwide.”

Far more than a literary presentation, the event was a moment of reflective discernment, prophetic insight, and missionary renewal—offering a fresh perspective on how the Church, rooted in its tradition, embraces the evolving landscape of digital communication. Celebrated in the spirit of the SVD’s 150th Jubilee, the gathering explored how mission today continues to resonate, both in person and online, with authenticity and relevance.

Voices of Mission

The author, Fr. Hendrikus Saku Bouk, SVD, S.Fil., MA, presented key insights from his book, which was reviewed by Fr. Dr. Eduardus Dosi, SVD, M.Si., Sr. Aloysia Teti, SSpS, and Sr. Maria Irene, SSpSAP. The event was formally opened by Fr. Dismas Mauk, SVD, Director of Tirilolok Swara Verbum Radio and current head of the SVD Timor Province Communication Commission. 

In his address, he underscored the vocation of Catholic media as more than a tool—it is a sacred ministry of proclaiming the Gospel with truth, compassion, and hope, especially in the physical and digital peripheries of our world.

Dignitaries present included Fr. Simon Bata, SVD, former Provincial Superior, and Fr. Dr. Philipus Tule, SVD, Rector of Widya Mandira Catholic University. The hall was filled with SVD confreres, seminarians, religious sisters from the SSpS, PRR, PM, and Franciscan congregations, lay partners, university students, faculty, and loyal radio listeners—each contributing to the spirit of reflection and community.

Fr. Dismas reiterated the enduring legacy of the station’s motto—“We are the Voice of the Voiceless”—coined by the late Fr. Petrus Manehat, SVD. This guiding principle, he emphasized, remains a prophetic call to uphold dignity, advocate for justice, and be a beacon of hope for those on the margins.

A Real-Time Mission for the Digital Age

In his presentation, Fr. Hendrik traced the historical journey of the SVD, SSpS, and SSpSAP congregations in Timor and emphasized how their mission continues to adapt—shifting from tribal oral traditions to real-time, hybrid models of engagement that combine embodied presence with digital connectivity. 

“Real-time mission,” he said, “is not about technology alone—it’s about being authentically present in both real and digital spaces, with hearts rooted in Gospel values.”

Reflections from Reviewers

Fr. Eduardus Dosi, SVD, praised the book’s clarity and depth, calling it a “timely resource that grounds the vision of Saint Arnold Janssen within the present moment.” He described it as an accessible tool for understanding the evolving contours of mission.

Sr. Aloysia Teti, SSpS, emphasized the necessity of digital literacy for today’s missionaries—not merely in technical skills, but in ethical discernment, cultural sensitivity, and critical engagement. “To evangelize in the digital world,” she said, “is to bring Gospel values with wisdom, clarity, and compassion.”

Speaking via Zoom, Sr. Maria Irene, SSpSAP, shared a contemplative perspective, stressing that communication begins in silence and prayer. Rooted in the spirituality of her congregation, she affirmed that digital engagement does not negate contemplative life but offers new ways to channel prayerful presence into a rapidly changing world. As of January 2025, the SSpSAP have 33 sisters in Indonesia, serving in communities in Ruteng (Flores) and Manua’at (Kupang).

Engaging Dialogue and Future Vision

A lively open forum followed. Fr. Simon Bata, SVD, called the book “a continuation of our Founder’s vision, responsive to the signs of the times.” Fr. Dr. Philipus Tule, SVD, saw it as a valuable educational and pastoral resource, especially for those in theological and communication studies. 

Quoting Fr. Kasmir Nema, SVD, General Communications Coordinator of the SVD, Fr. Tule highlighted the need for capacity-building and professional media personnel across SVD communities. He called for stronger partnerships among universities, media outlets like Tirilolok Radio, and the Arnoldus family congregations.

Joining virtually from Florida, Fr. Agustinus Seran, SVD, emphasized the irreplaceable value of physical, face-to-face mission while acknowledging the unique reach of digital platforms. “Both forms of presence,” he said, “must work in harmony to meet the spiritual needs of today’s globalized faithful.”

From the laity, Mr. Herman Seran noted that the SVD possesses a robust and strategic communication portfolio. He encouraged broader collaboration with ecclesial and civil organizations to strengthen evangelization in the digital age. Ms. Anna Kabosu reminded the audience of the importance of safeguarding truth and meaning in an era of information distortion, while Mr. Robby Fahik emphasized continuity and legacy in the communication apostolate.

A Missionary Call for Today and Tomorrow

Closing the event, Mr. Isidorus Lilijawa, host of Viral NTT on Tirilolok Swara Verbum Radio, distilled the heart of the discussion:

1. 21st-century missionaries must remain rooted in the founding spirituality while engaging the digital world with discernment and creativity.
2. Mission today requires holistic communication—integrating physical encounters and digital presence to build genuine relationships.
   
   

The Book Review was more than an academic event; it was a milestone of missionary renewal. It affirmed that the flame of the missionary spirit continues to burn brightly—now not only in mission territories but also across data streams, virtual platforms, and digital networks.

With hearts ignited by the Word and eyes open to the signs of the times, missionaries today are called to bring the Gospel in real time, wherever the Spirit leads.