Society
Of The Divine Word

The gathering was a profound moment of faith, unity, and missionary renewal, bringing together young Verbitas from communities such as Colegio Germania de Puerto Varas, Colegio Espíritu Santo Purísima de Fresia, Parroquia Nuestra Señora de Lourdes de Osorno, Comunidad de Metrenco, Parroquia Santiago Apóstol de Los Ángeles, Liceo Alemán del Verbo Divino de Los Ángeles, Parroquia Espíritu Santo El Pinar de San Joaquín, Colegio Espíritu Santo del Verbo Divino San Joaquín, Colegio Verbo Divino Las Condes, and Colegio Verbo Divino Chicureo.

This youth gathering was a special moment of unity, fraternity, and renewal of missionary spirit, bringing together young people from SVD communities across Chile—such as Colegio Germania de Puerto Varas, Colegio Espíritu Santo Purísima de Fresia, Parroquia Nuestra Señora de Lourdes de Osorno, Comunidad de Metrenco, Parroquia Santiago Apóstol de Los Ángeles, Liceo Alemán del Verbo Divino de Los Ángeles, Parroquia Espíritu Santo El Pinar de San Joaquín, Colegio Espíritu Santo del Verbo Divino San Joaquín, Colegio Verbo Divino Las Condes, and Colegio Verbo Divino Chicureo. They gathered to share their faith and commitment as missionaries of Christ, the Divine Word.

This year’s EJM carried the theme “Witnesses of the Light: From Everywhere for Everyone,” echoing the spirit of the Verbite Jubilee Year. The theme invited each participant to recognize their calling as bearers of Christ’s light in a wounded world longing for hope.

Day One: Adoration of the Blessed Sacrament
The first day began with registration and the official opening ceremony of EJM 2025, presided over by Fr. Fredy D’Sousa, SVD. The core values guiding the event were spirituality, love, fraternity, and openness of heart throughout all activities.

The participants were then divided into mixed groups, each with its own name and emblem—symbols of identity and unity. This dynamic helped them get to know one another better and collaborate beyond the borders of their schools or parishes.

Two main workshops followed: “My Personal Map” and “Talents.” These sessions encouraged the young people to engage in self-discovery, reflect on the direction of their lives, and recognize the gifts God has given them to serve others.

Prayer, a central aspect of the spirituality of the Incarnate Word, was at the heart of the encounter. As night fell, the participants gathered outdoors in silence for a moving Adoration of the Blessed Sacrament—a beautiful moment of personal encounter with Jesus, the Divine Word. There, they reflected on Christ’s words, “You are the light of the world,” and felt called to be light for others.

The day concluded with a fraternal bonfire, filled with songs, laughter, and testimonies under the starry sky—a visible sign of the joy and communion of young Verbitas who aspire to be witnesses of the Light in the world.

Day Two: Youth Strengthened in Prayer and Vocational Witness
The second day began with a Sensory Dawn Rosary, a profound prayer experience in which the young people invoked the intercession of the Virgin Mary to bless all the day’s activities.

Throughout the day, they deepened their faith through several formative sessions such as “Voices,” “God’s Puzzle,” “Workshops,” and “Vocation.” In the latter, they heard inspiring testimonies from guests including Sr. Carmen, SSpS, married couples Eduardo Ramón Andara Uzcátegui and María Lucila Ramírez Carrero, Luis and Jesús, and Deacon Juan Tapai, currently studying in Brazil. Their stories of life and faith motivated the youth to discover how God calls each person to serve in a unique way.

After moments of reflection and testimony, the participants joined in friendly competitions among the youth communities. Far from mere rivalry, these activities became opportunities to strengthen teamwork, unity, and joy.

In the afternoon, the youth gathered again for the Prayer of Light, led by the EJM team. In silence and contemplation, they reflected on their mission to be the light of the world, carrying Christ’s love to others through concrete acts of service and justice.

The day ended with the eagerly awaited Talent Show, where communities presented songs, dances, and short theatrical performances. These were evaluated by guest judges from the EJM team. It was a joyful and creative celebration of their gifts and missionary identity.

The second day closed with an atmosphere of joy, fraternity, and missionary zeal. Through prayer, testimony, and community life, the young Verbitas were strengthened in their commitment to be witnesses of God’s light and love in the world.

Closing Mass: Sent to Be Light in the World
The Missionary Youth Encounter 2025 concluded with a solemn Eucharistic celebration presided over by Fr. Yuventus Kota, SVD, Provincial Superior of the Society of the Divine Word in Chile.

In his homily, Fr. Yuventus urged the youth to be a light for the world, especially in their families, schools, and parishes. He also encouraged them to use digital platforms responsibly, transforming them into instruments for sharing the Gospel, love, goodness, justice, and truth.

During the celebration, the EJM organizing team presented certificates of appreciation to advisors and facilitators from the various SVD communities for their dedication and hard work in ensuring the success of the encounter.

After Mass, awards were given to participating groups, followed by a fraternal lunch—a symbol of communion and fellowship in the missionary spirit.

EJM 2025 ended in an atmosphere of deep joy and gratitude. The young participants returned home with hearts full of joy and a renewed experience of faith, ready to continue their journey as missionary youth of the Divine Word—witnesses of the Light of Christ in the world.