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Faith in Action: SVD Ruteng Community Holds ‘Live In’ Program in Parish ahead of 150th Anniversary
Bro. Dede Kleden, SVD
Upon arrival on Friday afternoon, the SVD priests and brothers were immediately assigned to various outstations, where they stayed with local families to experience the daily life of the faithful. The immersion was not only pastoral but also catechetical.
Catechesis sessions were conducted for two main groups—adults and youth—in schools. The sessions focused on the theme “The Eucharist: United with Creation to Glorify God”, aligning with the Diocese of Ruteng’s Year of the Transformative Eucharist.
The theme also reflects the SVD Jubilee’s ecological emphasis, encouraging collaboration between SVD members and lay partners in promoting ecological awareness amid global crises.
In conjunction with the 62nd World Day of Prayer for Vocations, the team also led vocation promotions in schools, hoping to inspire young people to consider religious life within the Arnoldus family—as priests, brothers, or sisters.
The “Live In” program concluded with Sunday Eucharistic celebrations in each outstation, followed by a traditional farewell ceremony at the parish center, where the community expressed gratitude and support. The participants then returned to Ruteng at 2:00 PM.
Loce Parish holds deep historical ties to the SVD. Fr. Gerard Smith, SVD, the first parish priest, is fondly remembered for building not only the church but also the first schools that opened educational opportunities for local communities.
Despite its rich missionary history, the parish continues to face pastoral challenges. Poor road conditions, lack of electricity and internet in several outstations, and the shortage of priests hinder regular Sunday Eucharistic celebrations in remote areas.
Still, the short visit of the SVD missionaries brought hope and joy. Many parishioners expressed their heartfelt appreciation, saying the presence of the priests and brothers rekindled their spirit amid hardships.
