Society
Of The Divine Word

The Irish-British Province (IBP) held its annual missionary workshop from May 12 to May 15, 2025, at the Dromantine Retreat and Conference Centre in Newry, Northern Ireland. The event brought together thirteen young confrères from various countries—including Poland, China, Indonesia, Ghana, and India—to reflect, share experiences, and deepen their missionary calling under the theme: “Building Hope in a Wounded World.”

The meeting addressed the unique challenges faced by the Irish-British Province and highlighted how these experiences can form missionaries as “wounded healers.” The workshop was facilitated by Fr. Franz Helm, SVD, from the Central European Province, and included in-depth reflection on the document from the last General Chapter. The aim was to nurture hope within the province by confronting and reflecting on the realities faced in England and Ireland.

Key discussions centered on identity and community building through effective communication. The young confrères emphasized the importance of creating a supportive and safe community, where individuals feel free to be vulnerable—an essential step for personal and communal growth. Fr. Helm guided the sessions using the synodal methodology of “listening to the Spirit,” inviting participants to explore the “Tree of Hope” and anchor their biblical hope amid cultural challenges and personality differences.

Participants also engaged in personal reflection and group sharing around the central question:
“What does it mean to be a missionary in Ireland and England?”
This led to a deeper understanding of and engagement with the IBP Strategic Plan for 2023–2026, which includes key initiatives on spirituality, well-being, care for elders and young missionaries, pastoral ministry, parish profiles, the revival of the UK district, protection of children and vulnerable adults, as well as trading companies and mission houses.

The workshop concluded with the creation of a mission statement for the province:

“As the Society of the Divine Word, rooted in the Trinity, we are a gift of the universal Church to the Irish/UK Church. Living together, we are called to be creative disciples and a beacon of hope through the SVD charisms, witnessing to the joy of the Gospel in a wounded world.”

Fr. Tim Lehane, the Provincial, presented the province’s current reality and the strategic plan, while Fr. Pat Hogen enriched the workshop with reflections on spirituality. The event was also a celebration of unity, as the confrères shared their joys and challenges, building hope together to face the future with courage and joy.