First SVD Missionary Intercultural Festival in Paraguay – 2026

Pascual Semaun, SVD

The first edition of the SVD Missionaries Intercultural Festival took place in Paraguay, organized by SVD lay collaborators and the pastoral coordinators. Children, young people, adults, and Indigenous families participated, as well as cultural representatives from Paraguay, Brazil, Bolivia, Italy, France, Cuba, Colombia, Argentina, Peru, Puerto Rico, Mexico, the Dominican Republic, Indonesia, and India.

More than a cultural event, it was a concrete expression of shared mission. There were dances, music, theater, and artistic expressions showing how the Gospel takes flesh in every culture. Traditional foods were shared freely, as a sign of fraternity and evangelical hospitality.

Active Participation of Children, Youth, Adults, and Indigenous Families
One of the most appreciated aspects was the active involvement of all groups:

Children: contributed joy and spontaneity.
Youth: stood out with dances, songs, and a “Theater of Life” about the mission of St. Arnold.
Adults: supported the organization and encouraged community life.
Indigenous families: enriched the gathering with their culture, values, and worldview.

The presence of Indigenous peoples bore witness to respect, inclusion, and the defense of life and creation.

Being an Arnoldus Family Today
To be a part of Arnoldus family means living the mission through the dimensions of our spirituality:

Bible: to illuminate life through the Word.
JPIC (Justice, Peace and Integrity of Creation): to defend life and accompany the vulnerable.
Mission animation: to promote vocations and raise missionary awareness in communities.
Communication: to proclaim the Gospel with closeness and hope.

It is a communal journey in which the mission is built through fraternity and daily service.

Voices from the Community
Participants expressed their joy and gratitude:

María Judith: “I learned that mission means loving others and living the faith together.”
Osmar Brítez (Verbite laity): “The mission invites us to serve and share with joy.”
Beatriz Ramírez: “I hope this celebration continues every year.”
Gustavo Paniagua (communication): “We share our culture so that others may experience God’s love.”

Final Message
The celebration concluded with a prayer asking for the intercession of St. Arnold to live with a missionary heart, open to diversity and sensitive to present realities.

“Toikove Jesús Py’a opavave ñande py’ápe.” — May the Heart of Jesus live in the hearts of all people!

Parish community united in prayer during the feast celebration.

Lay collaborators present the five continents during the celebration.

Youth and religious share in the intercultural celebration.