Organized by Rev. Fr. Ferdinand Bajao, SVD, PHC Coordinator of the SVD 150 celebrations, and Rev. Fr. Sedfrey Nebres, SVD, PHC Coordinator for Social Communications, the summit offered a dynamic space for prayer, formation, creativity, and vocation discernment rooted in the missionary charism of St. Arnold Janssen.

A Celebratory Opening

The summit opened on the Solemnity of St. Arnold Janssen with a festive Eucharist presided over by Rev. Fr. Michael Layugan, SVD, Provincial Superior, with Rev. Fr. Arlo Yap, SVD as homilist. The joyful tone continued with a Color Fest and an opening concert featuring well-known Filipino bands Banda ni Kleggy, Myrus, and Imago, setting a vibrant and prayerful atmosphere for the days ahead.

Formation, WORDshops, and Worship

Day Two began with the “Honoring the Word” liturgy, followed by an inspiring talk from Rev. Fr. Agerico Orbos, SVD. The keynote address was delivered by Most Rev. Marcelino Antonio Maralit, DD, Chairman of the CBCP Episcopal Commission on Youth, who highlighted how youthful creativity and passion can become contemporary expressions of the Word made flesh.

In the afternoon, participants joined specialized WORDshops, choosing from various tracks that integrated faith, mission, and professional skills:

• Social Justice – Rev. Fr. Flaviano Villanueva (2025 Ramon Magsaysay Awardee) and Honorio Benitez III
• Creation Care – Anna Oposa and Dr. Lilian Rodriguez
• Truth & Journalism – Kara David
• Content Creation – Marlon Fuentes and Arnel “Atom” Yangco
• Lyrics & Song – Fr. Manoling Francisco, SJ, and Fr. Paul Aquino, SVD
• Dance – Raymund Marcaida and Danya Maigue

The evening concluded with Eucharistic Adoration and a Fellowship Night featuring Bible sharing and communal prayer.

Vocation Fest and Jubilee Closing

On the final day, a Vocation Fest brought together representatives from more than 20 religious congregations. Several young men began their application process to the SVD and took entrance examinations, marking the summit as a fruitful moment for vocational discernment.

The event culminated in creative group presentations and the Christus Lux Concert, which also served as the official closing celebration of the 150th Jubilee Year of the SVD in the PHC Zone with Rev. Fr. Raul Caga, SVD as the program producer.

Impact and Future Vision

Participants left with a deeper appreciation of the Missio Dei and the global reach of the SVD mission. Bishop Maralit encouraged them to live their faith boldly through truth, art, and service, while Fr. Orbos reminded them to “seek heaven” in every aspect of their lives.

Given its success, organizers are now considering expanding the summit into a national SVD Youth Summit, potentially involving both the SVD North and South Provinces in future editions.

The SVD WORD Youth Summit has not only celebrated the past 150 years of missionary history but has also planted seeds of hope, creativity, and vocation for the next generation of missionary disciples.