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India Sub-Zone Inter-Provincial Forum 2025
Anthony Swamy SVD
The two-day gathering brought together leaders, secretaries, coordinators, and SVD Lay-Mission Partners from across the India Sub-Zone, fostering unity, reflection, and forward planning for the mission of the Divine Word in India sub-Zone for the year 2026.
The meeting was hosted this year by the India Central Province (INC), with participation of PRM Superiors and their councils, mission secretaries of the PRMs, Sub-Zone Coordinators of Characteristic Dimension, the Provincial Superior of the SSpS (INC), and two lay partners. Also, present was Fr. Anbu, the General Formation Secretary, who was specially invited as an observer.
The forum opened with the Holy Eucharistic celebration, presided over by Fr. Ignatius Santhuraja, president of the Inter-Provincial Forum of the India Sub-Zone. In his homily, Fr. Jeevan, Regional Superior, called on confreres to be a “visible presence of Light” today. He reminded the gathering that their service and commitment to the Divine Word must lead to being a voice for the voiceless and a source of hope for those on the margins.
The keynote address was delivered by Fr. Jacob Peenikaparambil, SVD, on the theme “SVDs: Facilitators of Hope in the Wounded World.” He highlighted the pressing challenges that drain missionary zeal and underscored the importance of refocusing energies towards neglected areas of ministry. Fr. Jacob emphasized renewed attention to youth ministry, family accompaniment, counselling, interreligious dialogue, and ecumenism—fields that hold the potential to heal and unite communities.
The heart of the meeting consisted of report presentations from key coordinators and secretaries. Among those who shared were the Mission Secretary, Biblical Coordinator, Communication Coordinator, JPIC Coordinator, Formation Secretary, Education Secretary, Superior Delegate, AJSN Coordinator, Treasurers’ Representative, and representative of VIVAT India. Each presentation highlighted the achievements, ongoing challenges, and mission priorities of the sub-zone.
A full day was dedicated to discussing agendas and formulating new initiatives and policies for the year 2026. The recommendations, drawn from different coordinators and secretaries, reflected a shared commitment to mission collaboration and renewal. The discussions underscored the need for innovative approaches to meet the evolving challenges of the Church and society in India.
At the conclusion of the forum, the observer, Fr. Anbu, the General Formation Secretary, together with the two lay partners, offered their reflections and observations, encouraging deeper collaboration and inclusion of lay voices in the mission.
The meeting ended on a joyful and grateful note with a vote of thanks extended to all participants, hosts, and organizers by Fr. Victor Rodrigues. The forum also looked ahead with anticipation as it was announced that the 2026 Inter-Provincial Forum will be hosted by the India Guwahati Region (ING).
