A central question guided the discussions: What does the Divine Word contribute to the local Church through its parishes? Participants recognized that the missionary identity of SVD parishes must go beyond maintaining structures and activities and become visible through communities that listen, accompany, and reach out to people.

The parish priests highlighted existing social pastoral initiatives serving families and people in vulnerable situations. These include accompanying migrants, Indigenous communities, people experiencing addiction or homelessness, couples in crisis, and those needing psychological or mental health support. Other initiatives address environmental concerns, access to healthcare and documentation, and basic food needs. Participants emphasized the need to move progressively from occasional assistance toward sustained accompaniment and the promotion of human dignity.

Migration and cultural diversity were also identified as significant pastoral realities. Participants stressed that migrants should not be viewed only as recipients of assistance but as people whose cultures, experiences, abilities, and gifts can enrich parish communities. This approach offers opportunities to build more welcoming and intercultural communities.

The discussion identified the altar, the community, and the periphery as three interconnected dimensions of parish life. The altar nourishes the community through the Eucharist, the Word, prayer, and the sacraments; the community builds fraternity and formation; and the periphery calls the Church to encounter, listen, serve, and defend human dignity. Rather than opposing worship and mission, the meeting emphasized their essential relationship.

Participants also reflected on strengthening the four characteristic dimensions of SVD missionary life—Biblical Apostolate, Mission Animation, Justice, Peace and Integrity of Creation (JPIC), and Communication. Particular attention was given to forming lay people for greater co-responsibility, accompanying young people and families, promoting vocations, strengthening social ministry, and using digital communication and emerging technologies responsibly for evangelization.

The meeting highlighted a broader pastoral transition: from activities to processes, from isolated groups to community, from collaboration to co-responsibility, from assistance to accompaniment, and from pastoral maintenance to mission.

The gathering concluded with a fraternal meal prepared by the SVD lay partners of San Lucas Parish in Ciudad del Este. The gesture reflected the spirit of communion that marked the day and reinforced the shared commitment to build SVD parish communities that listen to the Word, discern the realities of people’s lives, and go forth together in mission.