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Lay missionaries deepen SVD reflection on collaboration and mission in Posadas
Biju Thomas Mandapathil, SVD
The day began with morning prayer and the celebration of the Holy Eucharist led by the Andina Sub-zone. Fr. Carlos, the main celebrant, reflected on the challenges facing the world today and encouraged the participants to confront them with faith, courage and trust in Jesus.
The morning session focused on the experiences of three lay missionaries — Aurora, Raquel and Anibel — who shared how their missionary vocation has taken shape in different contexts.
Raquel, representing the Lay Missionary Association of Paraguay, spoke about their efforts to implement the resolutions of the General Chapter and the SVD Action Plan, particularly through the integration of the characteristic dimensions into their missionary activities.
Anibel, from the Argentina South Province, described the various ways lay missionaries collaborate with Divine Word Missionaries, including social outreach, fundraising, family activities and radio programs. She emphasized the importance of building relationships and creating opportunities for lay people to participate actively in mission.
Aurora shared the story of 20 years of missionary service and the joy of seeing her own children becoming increasingly interested in mission. She spoke about using music and dance as tools for evangelization, visiting the elderly and encouraging others to become involved in missionary activities.
Following a group photo during the break, the participants engaged in a lively question-and-answer session. The discussion provided an opportunity to explore ways of strengthening collaboration with lay missionaries and to address some of the challenges they encounter in their missionary involvement.
One message particularly resonated with the participants: lay missionaries need continued encouragement, accompaniment and support from the SVD. Their testimony was also a reminder of the call to remain joyful missionaries, working together in service of the Gospel.
The second morning session featured Fr. Allan Castro from Editorial Verbo Divino (EVD), who presented the different areas of their ministry and shared experiences from their missionary engagement.
Walking in the footsteps of missionaries
The afternoon offered a different but equally enriching experience as participants visited the historic Jesuit mission ruins of Santa Ana and later Loreto. The visits provided an opportunity to encounter the missionary heritage of the region and reflect on the generations of missionaries who proclaimed the Gospel in challenging circumstances.
In the evening, the group travelled to San Ignacio, where they watched an impressive light-and-sound presentation depicting the history of the early Jesuit missions in Argentina.
The day concluded with a renewed appreciation for the missionary heritage of the Church in the region. The experience connected the participants’ reflections on contemporary mission with the witness of those who came before them, reminding them that missionary work is sustained by faith, courage, collaboration and a willingness to serve.
As the meeting continues, the participants are being invited to deepen their understanding of the Four Characteristic Dimensions and to seek new ways of integrating them into the life and mission of the Society of the Divine Word across the PANAM Zone.
