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SOVERDIA Lay Partners Pronounce their Commitment, Embrace Missionary Calling
Prior to their perpetual vows, the SOVERDIA members underwent a period of spiritual formation led by the Mission Secretary Team of SVD Ende Province. The formation, divided into two sessions, took place at Wudu Parish, Nagekeo (January 23–25, 2025) and Kemah Tabor Retreat House, Mataloko (January 27–28, 2025).
The retreat was centered around the theme “Living the Prophetic Mission in a Wounded World as SVD Lay Missionaries,” providing the lay partners with deep spiritual and theological insights to strengthen their commitment. Several SVD priests led the sessions, offering essential teachings on various aspects of their mission. Fr. Januaris Lobo provided a historical perspective, explaining the origins of the Soverdia community, the significance of the perpetual vow, and the various activities undertaken by its members. Fr. Yohanes Masneno delved into the calling and mission of Soverdia, emphasizing the role of lay partners in extending the Divine Word’s mission in today’s world. Meanwhile, Fr. Hubertus Tenga shed light on the responsibilities of the mission secretary, particularly in managing documents and arrangements for missionaries being sent abroad or returning from international assignments. Through these sessions, the retreat offered the Soverdia members a deeper understanding of their vocation and a renewed sense of purpose in their missionary journey.
Following their intensive spiritual preparation, the lay missionaries made their perpetual commitment to the SVD mission. The event also saw the inauguration of the new leadership team, affirming their dedication to service.
The Eucharistic celebration, led by Fr. Patrisius Pa, SVD, created a solemn and reflective atmosphere for the occasion. In his homily, he invited the congregation to ponder a thought-provoking question: “What do we hope for in today’s leadership inauguration and perpetual vow pronouncement of the SOVERDIA members?” He then highlighted four key aspects of their commitment. First, he spoke about the importance of embracing their identity as SVD Lay Missionaries, fully dedicating themselves to proclaiming the Gospel and living as witnesses of the Divine Word. He then emphasized the need for nurturing a fellowship of faith, where prayer, scripture, and the Eucharist become the foundation of their spiritual life. He also underscored the call to living in solidarity with the marginalized, following the example of St. Joseph Freinademetz, who devoted his life to serving the poor and forgotten. Lastly, he reminded them of their mission to becoming a community of healing, reaching out to those who are suffering, just as Christ did through acts of love and compassion.
The event gained further significance with the unexpected presence of Archbishop Paulus Budi Kleden, whose visit was both an honor and an inspiration to the Soverdia members. Noticing the large and heavy crosses worn by the lay partners, he humorously remarked: “Soverdia members wear big, heavy crosses, while I, a bishop, wear a small one.” His message carried a deeper meaning: “Walk together in synodality and brotherly love. Even if walking together is slower and sometimes difficult, what matters is that we journey together toward the same God. We walk with the Word and participate in His mission in this wounded world. We are pilgrims of hope.”
The perpetual vows of the SOVERDIA lay partners signify not just a formal commitment but a lifetime dedication to living out the missionary charism of the SVD. As co-workers of the Divine Word, they now carry forth their mission to heal, proclaim, and serve in a world longing for faith and compassion.
With the Mission Cross upon their shoulders and the spirit of St. Joseph Freinademetz in their hearts, the newly committed lay partners step forward in faith, ready to embrace the challenges of missionary life.
Gaby Wangak
