- svd-prms
- / INE
- / Lay Partners / SVD@150
Lay Partners of India-East Province Gather for Provincial Workshop in Jharsuguda
The gathering began with a solemn Bible enthronement, proclamation of the Prologue of the Gospel of John, prayer to the Incarnate Word, and the lighting of the traditional lamp. Fr. Anuranjan Bilung, SVD, Provincial Superior of INE, delivered the inaugural address, encouraging lay partners to recognize their vital role in the missionary outreach of the Church.
Exploring the Mission and Spirituality of the SVD
The first day featured a series of in-depth sessions rooted in SVD identity, spirituality, and mission. Fr. Dixson Lawrence D’Souza, SVD, AJSN Coordinator of INE, offered a theological and biblical reflection on the Jubilee theme, “From Everywhere – For Everyone,” connecting it to the call and mission of lay collaborators in today’s Church.
A special documentary screening, “Indo-Bangla Subzone: Witnessing to the Light,” presented the 93-year legacy of the SVDs in the region, shedding light on their contributions to the Church and society—locally and globally.
The annual reports shared by lay partner groups highlighted the fruits of mission collaboration and inspired greater commitment to the Trinitarian Mission Spirituality.
Further sessions included: Fr. Eusebius Rudolph Crasta, SVD, Director of Divya Dham Retreat Centre, who spoke on “Fostering Christian Faith and Preaching the Good News”, emphasizing the power of prayer and intercession in the life of lay missionaries.
Fr. Rasal Xess, SVD, INE JPIC Coordinator, who presented on “Lay Partners’ Involvement in JPIC Ministries”, offering practical approaches for collaborating with SVD missions among vulnerable communities.
An evening of fellowship and community building, led by Sr. Florentina Xess, SSpS, National AJSN Coordinator of the SSpS in India, enlivened the group with music, games, and bonding activities that deepened mutual understanding and enthusiasm.
Deepening the Call to Mission
The second day opened with the Holy Eucharist, presided over by Fr. Sunil Damor, SVD, Vice-Provincial Superior of INE. In his homily, he encouraged participants to embrace the joy of discipleship, letting go of guilt and walking with renewed purpose and hope.
Sr. Florentina Xess, SSpS, shared reflections on the “Spirituality of St. Arnold Janssen” as lived by the SSpS and SSpSAP congregations. This was followed by Fr. Dixson’s comprehensive session on the “Spirituality and Charism of the SVD,” which elaborated on the four pillars of Trinitarian Mission Spirituality, their relevance today, and how they are expressed in the SVD Constitutions and General Chapters.
A personal testimony by Mr. Peter Baa, a lay partner from INE, on “Synodal Approach and Bible Reading” invited participants into a path of shared journeying and spiritual transformation at the personal, family, and parish levels.
In the final session, Fr. Luvis Ronald Pereira, SVD, INE Mission Secretary, delivered a stirring call to move “from mission parishes to missionary parishes,” emphasizing co-responsibility, collaboration, and missional leadership as the hallmarks of a Church that evangelizes through communion.
Toward Action and Collaboration
To close the workshop, Fr. Dixson presented a model action plan, integrating the SVD’s Characteristic Dimensions, spiritual charism, and practical areas such as financial self-sufficiency and community growth. The 39 participantsfrom seven lay partner groups, along with their spiritual directors, then engaged in discussion and drafted tentative action plans to be brought back and refined within their respective communities.
The event concluded with a vote of thanks by Mr. Ignace Hasda, President of the Disciples of the Divine Word–Sundargarh, expressing heartfelt gratitude to the organizers, speakers, and all those who supported the initiative.
“This workshop has renewed our identity and commitment as SVD Lay Partners,” shared one participant. “It reminded us that we are not simply helpers, but co-missionaries with a shared vocation to make God’s love visible.”
The organizers extended their appreciation to all who made this fruitful and spirit-filled workshop possible—reaffirming the importance of ongoing formation and shared mission in the Church today.
-Fr. Dixson Lawrence D’Souza SVD
AJSN Coordinator-INE
