The Eucharist took place at noon in the historic Colonial Chapel of La Florida. It was presided over by Bishop Emeritus Carlos Pelegrín, SVD, and served as the official commencement of a new stage in the Congregation’s missionary service in the country.

A Leadership of Communion Bishop Pelegrín was joined at the altar by the outgoing Provincial, Fr. Yuventus Kota, SVD, and the incoming leadership team:

• Provincial Superior: Fr. Sergio Edwards, SVD
• Vice Provincial: Fr. Aloysius Tamonob, SVD
• Admonitor: Fr. Chris Ankah, SVD
• Provincial Councilors: Fr. José Miguel, SVD,
• and Fr. Prince Arockiyam, SVD
  
  

During his homily, Bishop Pelegrín emphasized that authority within the Society of the Divine Word is fundamentally a “shared service.” He reminded the new Council that their mission is not exercised in isolation but in deep communion with every member of the Congregation.

“The Lord chooses you,” the Bishop said, highlighting the spiritual weight of the appointment. He noted that accepting a leadership role is a direct response to God’s call—a responsibility that must be lived out with dedication to both religious life and the wider community. He stressed that missionary service belongs to everyone, calling on every Verbite to offer their unique talents for the growth of the mission and the service of the People of God.
An Intercultural Witness The gathering was a vibrant reflection of the SVD’s intercultural charism. The congregation included SVD confreres, Missionary Sisters Servants of the Holy Spirit (SSpS), Poor Clare Sisters, SVD lay partners, and family members, including the sister of the new Provincial.

Adding to the vitality of the celebration was a choir comprised of new SVD missionaries currently studying Spanish. Their participation not only enriched the liturgy but also symbolized the Province’s ongoing commitment to formation and the international nature of the Society.

Fraternity and Hope Following the Mass, the community of the Central House hosted a fraternal lunch, offering a space to strengthen bonds of communion and express gratitude to the outgoing leadership while welcoming the new team.

With this celebration, SVD Chile begins 2026 with a reaffirmed availability to the Gospel. The installation of the new provincial leadership stands as a sign of continuity and hope, faithful to the Divine Word charism and responsive to the evolving pastoral needs of the Church in Chile.