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Igniting the Word: Bible Facilitator Training for the SVD 150th Jubilee
Jelaskan Iman-MU, SVD
With the overarching theme “May the Heart of Jesus Live in the Hearts of All People”, this training was more than a formation activity—it was a spiritual movement rekindling the fire of love for the Word of God among the people.
Two Sessions, One Spirit
This program was carried out in two different places:
The first session, held on June 12–13, 2025 at St. Joseph Monastery in Nenuk, brought together 85 participants from parishes in the Belu and Malaka deaneries of the Dioicese of Atambua.
The second session, conducted on June 15–16, 2025 at RPI Laat Manekan, Noemeto, Kefamenanu, welcomed 95 participants from parishes in the Mena and Kefamenanu deaneries of the Diocese of Atambua.
What made the sessions even more special was the diversity of participants—not only parish representatives, but also members from various ecclesial groups such as Legio Maria ( Legion of Mary), THS-THM, Catholic Charismatic Renewal, and Soverdia ( SVD lay Partners). Each person came with a shared desire to grow, learn, and serve more deeply.
One Voice in the Word of God
The sessions were led by Fr. Petrus Cristologus Dhogo, SVD, Vice-Chairman of the Indonesian Biblical Institute (LBI). With a warm and reflective approach, Fr. Ito Dhogo opened the participants’ horizons to various techniques for animating the Bible: from lectio divina, biblio-drama, to creative strategies for proclaiming the Word of God in the heart of their communities.
The atmosphere was full of enthusiasm: participants engaged in discussions, learned from one another, and reflected deeply on the Scriptures. Many expressed how the experience reaffirmed their calling as lay evangelizers. “I felt personally touched by God through this training. I realized that proclaiming the Word is not only the duty of priests and religious, but also mine,” shared a teary-eyed participant from Malaka.
Small Steps, Big Echoes
The program did not end in the training room. To ensure continuity and build a strong network of Bible facilitators, a WhatsApp group named “DEI VERBUM” was formed. This group now serves as a space for sharing ideas, materials, and spiritual encouragement among fellow facilitators. “We want the participants to remain on fire—not just for a moment, but to grow together as a community of the Word,” said Fr. Ireneus Lolan, SVD the Bible Apostolate Coordinator of SVD Timor Province).
Hearts on Fire for the Word of God
This training serves as living proof that the missionary fire of the SVD continues to burn brightly, even in the hearts of the lay faithful. The participants returned to their parishes with renewed passion and strong commitment to share the Word of God in their communities through ecclesial groups, children’s catechesis, youth ministry, and small faith communities.
The 150th SVD Jubilee is not merely about remembering the past, but about building a future of evangelization that is inclusive, community-based, and relevant to the times. This training is one of the many steps in that direction.
The Word that Touches the Heart
With deep gratitude, the Bible Apostolate Commission reported that the entire event ran smoothly and joyfully, leaving a meaningful impact on all who participated. This was more than a training—it was a spiritual pilgrimage, inviting every participant to let the Word of God dwell in their hearts—and come alive in action.
May it be that from humble places like Nenuk and Noemeto, new proclaimers of the Gospel emerge, bringing the light of Christ to the most remote corners of life. So that the Word becomes flesh and the Heart of Jesus may truly live in the hearts of all people.
