Society
Of The Divine Word

With the participation of the SVD schools from Argentina, Chile, and Paraguay, the annual meeting of the Southern Subzone of PANAM of the Society of the Divine Word (SVD) took place. This subzone has the highest number of educational institutions within the congregation. The central theme of the event was: “The Transmission of SVD Spirituality in the Process of Forming Students’ Character”.

This important meeting was held in Santiago de Chile, on September 28 and 29 of this year. Its purpose was to share experiences and best practices in the different formative dimensions, particularly in the moral and spiritual aspects, which are distinctive of SVD schools.

The event began on Saturday the 28th with an official welcome from the Provincial of Chile, Father Yuventus Kota, who emphasized the importance of educating in the light of SVD spirituality and the four fundamental dimensions: spirituality, mission, communication, and community. He stressed that these principles are essential in addressing the challenges facing the world today, with special attention to the specific needs of each province.

Following this, Dr. Rodrigo López, a SVD former student and educational specialist, delivered a presentation focused on the importance of character formation in students. He highlighted that this training should not be limited to academic achievements but should also value each student’s individuality and talent development. Dr. López defined character as “the way one faces both the inner and outer world, involving reason, emotions, and behavior, with the goal of knowing what is good and desiring it.” He also emphasized that each student should feel motivated to recognize their uniqueness as a child of God and develop their abilities.

During the sessions on Saturday afternoon and Sunday morning, each school presented its formative strategies and the challenges they face in various areas, especially concerning spirituality. Through these exchanges, it was concluded that education is a complex process, but the presence of the SVD mission in schools is a valuable contribution. Education in these institutions should not only prepare students for life but also shape their character and values, integrating Catholic principles and the missionary spirit into the entire educational community.

As a result of the reflections from this meeting, and in the context of the upcoming 150th anniversary of the SVD, the need to unify criteria and basic principles for the formation of SVD spirituality in the schools was highlighted, aligning efforts with the theme of the jubilee year: “WITNESSES OF THE LIGHT FROM ALL THE WORLD FOR ALL PEOPLE”.

Felipe Hermosilla, SVD