Society
Of The Divine Word

The inaugural Mass was presided over by Fr. Andrews Obeng, the Provincial Superior of the SVD Ghana Province and Sr. Theresa Abena Tawiah, the SSpS Ghana Provincial Superior, was also in attendance.

AFRAM Strengthens Intercultural Mission through SVD-SSpS Training Program

Roger Schroeder, SVD

The first combined SVD-SSpS training program for Interculturality Resource Persons in AFRAM took place at the Arnold Janssen Spirituality Centre in Ghana from July 23 to August 6, 2026. The workshop brought together 17 participants from various Provinces, Regions, and Missions (PRMs). Among them were four members of the Resource Committee for Interculturality (RCI): the RCI Co-Chairs Roger Schroeder (USC) and Adriana Milmanda (ARG), and the RCI Zonal/Continental Coordinators Josefa Twapita (ETH), and Ashwin Vas (ANG). The SVD AFRAM zonal coordinator Hugo Kalis (KEN) also attended.

The objective of the workshop was 1) to equip local resource persons within each PRM to accompany both incoming and outgoing missionaries, 2) to assist missionaries in navigating the unique dynamics that arise during cultural engagement both within the communty and in ministry/mission, and 3) to support local formation programs and PRM leadership by providing specialized inputs on interculturality. Ultimately, the workshop aimed to shift community dynamics from a simple “multicultural” baseline (merely coexisting alongside other cultures) to true intentional “intercultural” living. This paradigm shift requires active interaction, mutual learning, celebrating diversity, and transforming cultural friction into a prophetic witness.

The participants developed action plans and future commitments in the following areas: Initial Formation, Laity Engagement, Inculturation Research, Ongoing Formation, and Exit and Entry Programs. To ensure sustainability, the participants agreed to establish a collaborative intercultural network throughout AFRAM. Moving forward, each member will report to their respective PRM Superior and submit a concrete plan of action. They committed to holding two Zoom meetings per year to share ongoing experiences and report directly to the zonal coordination team.

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Other News and Stories from Provinces, Regions and Missions

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