The meeting was attended by Fr. Yuventus Kota (outgoing Provincial of Chile), Fr. Sergio Edwards (Provincial of Chile), Fr. Cornelio (Provincial of Paraguay), Fr. Jorge Faliszek (Provincial of ARS), and Fr. Juan Rajimon (Provincial of ARE).

Throughout four sessions, the participants shared experiences, challenges, and future perspectives related to biblical mission, parish ministry, communication, education, and social and vocation ministry.

Biblical Evangelization with a Vision for the Future

The first session focused on the Biblical Dimension particularly on the work of Editorial Verbo Divino. Adán and Guillermo Santa María presented the reality of the Editorial Group, founded in 1999, which has distributed more than 110 million Bibles throughout Latin America and currently manages 1,600 titles with a staff of 22 employees.

It was emphasized that the editorial mission should not be understood merely as a commercial activity, but as a genuine service of evangelization that also requires economic sustainability and institutional continuity. Among the current challenges mentioned were digitalization and the responsible use of Artificial Intelligence.

Each province shared its pastoral and educational realities. ARE highlighted its strong work through foundations, schools, and homes for persons with disabilities. ARS expressed concern regarding the sustainability of Editorial Guadalupe and the need for pastoral renewal. Paraguay presented its administrative and editorial reorganization, while Chile reaffirmed the importance of strengthening biblical ministry in a context marked by a decline in the number of Catholics.

Challenges in Parish Ministry

The second session focused on parish ministry, an especially important topic considering that nearly 70% of the confreres in the Southern Sub-Zone work in parishes together with their communities, often in complex settings and vast territories.
The provinces identified common challenges such as the need for pastoral renewal, ongoing formation, financial transparency, and strengthening community life. They also emphasized the importance of accompanying confreres who live alone.

Paraguay presented its model of mandatory pastoral and financial councils; ARS mentioned the difficulties caused by large geographical distances; ARE highlighted its positive missionary atmosphere; and Chile underlined its efforts to sustain parishes in remote territories, including the mission on Easter Island.

Communication, Education, and Vocational Hope

One of the most innovative presentations came from Fr. Kasmir Nema, SVD General Communication Coordinator, who proposed a global digital strategy focused on the digital formation of missionaries, the production of audiovisual content, and the strengthening of a common communication identity.

The final session addressed education, social ministry, and vocation ministry. Participants shared information about educational initiatives and outreach programs involving Indigenous communities, homes for vulnerable children, and ecological campaigns.

Although concerns remain regarding the decline in vocations and the social crises affecting the Church, the meeting concluded with a message of hope. Several provinces are beginning to witness a renewed awakening of vocations and a strong commitment to a pastoral ministry that is close to the people, biblical, and missionary.