Society
Of The Divine Word

Indore, February 23, 2025 – The Society of the Divine Word (SVD) conducted a formation program for its lay partners at St. Arnold’s Seva Sadan in Indore, India Central Province (INC).

The session, led by Mission Secretary Fr. Felix Jones SVD, aimed to deepen the lay partners’ understanding of the various ministries of the Divine Word Missionaries.

Fr. Jones, who oversees lay partner groups in the province, gathered coordinators from different characteristic dimensions to share their insights.

The event featured notable speakers, including Fr. Rayan SVD, Formation Secretary of the Indo-Bangla Subzone, Fr. Anthony Swamy SVD, Communication Coordinator for the ASPAC zone, and Fr. Muthu Selvam SVD, Education Secretary of the Indo-Bangla Subzone. Fr. James SVD, JPIC Coordinator for India Central Province, joined the discussion via an online platform.

The program commenced with a Eucharistic celebration, setting a spiritual tone for the day. Fr. Felix encouraged attendees to embrace the mindset and heart of Jesus in their missionary approach.

Mr. Sumit Dhanraj, an active SVD lay partner, delivered an inspiring talk on the life and mission of St. Arnold and the work of the Divine Word Missionaries.

Fr. Rayan SVD emphasized the importance of Bible-centered families, drawing from the example of St. Arnold’s devotion to scripture.

He highlighted how family life plays a crucial role in fostering vocations to priesthood and religious life.

Fr. Muthu Selvam SVD provided an in-depth look into the education ministry, stressing the SVD’s commitment to Catholic children’s education.

Fr. Swamy SVD shed light on the significance of the communication ministry, explaining its integral role in spreading the Gospel and supporting the mission, particularly within the India Central Province.

Fr. James SVD, speaking via Zoom, addressed the Justice, Peace, and Integrity of Creation (JPIC) initiatives in the province, particularly the efforts of SAMMAN and Janvikas Society.

A total of 17 lay partners actively participated in the formation, expressing their enthusiasm for learning about the various SVD ministries.

They also gained insights into the SVD way of life within their own families. The formation program concluded on a joyful note, leaving participants inspired and motivated to contribute to the mission of the Divine Word Missionaries.

Fr. Anthony Swamy, SVD
INC Communications Coordinator