Personal Introduction
My name is David Lapar, a Divine Word seminarian from the Democratic Republic of the Congo. I completed my initial formation in my country; after professing my first vows, I was assigned to Kenya to study theology. After two years of theological studies, I opted for the Spanish Province to make an intercultural (OTP) experience. Since May 2024, I have been living in Spain for this mission experience—and, thanks be to God, it has been going very well.

Beginning at Casa de Todos
I arrived at the Seville community on July 7, 2025, after spending a month in the Dueñas community, where I had a beautiful experience with the senior confreres. My first impression upon arriving in Seville was discovering the human richness of the Andalusian people in general and especially the parishioners of Our Lady of Mount Carmel Parish.

As the Andalusians say, my early days in the Association were “not a piece of cake,” since everything was new to me. Likewise, the Andalusian accent presented noticeable difficulties—which, of course, was inevitable. The Association Casa de Todos offers the following services:

• Social catering
• Job orientation
• Adult education
• Academic reinforcement
• Summer school
• Healthy leisure and free-time activities
• Assistance to the immigrant population
  
  

My Commitments at Casa de Todos as a Volunteer
Considering my parish activities, at the Association I chose the program dedicated to assisting immigrants. I made this choice to help migrants who struggle with communication, especially those from Africa, given the languages I speak: French, English, and Spanish. My presence is an important support for assisting people on Mondays, Wednesdays, and Fridays—from 9:30 to 10:30 (without an appointment), and from 10:30 to 13:30 (with an appointment). Migrants from Latin America, of course, have fewer communication issues since they already speak Spanish.

With help from the Association’s professionals, I have learned to carry out some administrative tasks after a time of observation and training. Now I can see, listen, and ask questions when in doubt. As one of the staff members explained: “These tasks are learned by doing.” So far, I help schedule appointments in various government offices of the Andalusian region, prepare résumés using Canva, request employment records, and more. I continue learning because there is still much to discover.

What I Have Learned from My Experience at the Association
Although my time as a volunteer has been short, I have learned countless realities people live in society. Among them:

• Attentive Listening to People – This is key in welcoming others. It is amazing to see how professionals and volunteers offer such careful attention. Often, through a simple question-and-answer exchange, the person already feels heard and relieved. Seeing someone enter distressed and leave with a smile, thanking us warmly—this is truly wonderful.
• Financial Aid for Those with Limited Resources – Even small assistance helps ease people’s burdens. Through the IMV (Minimum Vital Income), we assist individuals in applying for this government support.
• Facilitating Social Integration – The Association does not provide meals directly but distributes them through the Social Catering program subsidized by the Andalusian regional government, serving hundreds of families daily. To access this service, certain documents—such as proof of residence, ID, or NIE—are required.
• Reclaiming People’s Rights – There is no greater gesture of accompaniment than helping someone reclaim their rights—especially those unable to defend themselves. Many elderly people face issues such as pension delays or mismanagement of social benefits. The Association helps them demand what is fair and due.
• Addressing Social Injustice – Some people face situations—often related to housing—where landlords take advantage of them, which is illegal. Casa de Todos intervenes to support those affected.
• Job Search Assistance –
  The Association not only helps people request government aid but also works toward their independence. Through the ERACIS+ employment inclusion program, we help them search for jobs and provide follow-up until they secure stable employment.
• Extra Pastoral Activities – Cooperation between the Association and Our Lady of Mount Carmel Parish is beautiful, especially through Cáritas, which is very active despite being a humble parish.
  
  

Both the Association and the parish collaborate closely. One example is the Sembradores group (of which I am a member), which prepares food every Thursday to distribute to homeless individuals in various parts of Seville. Our attention is not only material—food, drinks, clothing—but also emotional: listening, dialogue, and empathy. The joy of those we accompany is palpable.

One story that touched me deeply is of a woman who had traveled the world in her youth, even visiting Kenya, but due to life circumstances now lives on the streets. She fled her home country because her brother threatened her. Despite the sadness of her story, she always meets us with a warm smile.

The Contribution of the SVDs in Seville
I am grateful and proud of the work our confreres in Seville are doing, and of my small contribution during this important stage of my missionary formation. The noble work, apostolate, and commitment of the confreres make the presence of the Divine Word Missionaries remarkable and necessary—especially in the Immigration Delegation in collaboration with the Diocese of Seville.

A significant example of this collaboration was the celebration of the Jubilee of Migrants and Refugees on September 28, 2025, during the World Day of Migrants and Refugees, held in the Cathedral of Seville and presided by Bishop Ramón Valdivia. His words deeply touched me: “We need your joy, hope, and courage.” The choir from Our Lady of Mount Carmel Parish animated the celebration.

Conclusión
I thank God for allowing me to live this Gospel-of-encounter experience with the most disadvantaged in Seville during this pastoral year. True, we cannot eliminate all injustice in the world. But we understand that small gestures, kind words, or simply being present with someone who has nothing to offer back—someone society may discard—have immense value in the eyes of God.

It is said that “the best gift you can give someone you love is your time.” And it is moving to hear the heartfelt gratitude of people living on the streets after visiting them: “Thank you so much,” or “God bless you.”

This experience has helped me understand that not only the Church and the Congregation need us—society as a whole needs us. May we all work with it, in it, and for it, together—lay faithful and consecrated persons—in the vineyard of the Lord.