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Tree Planting Highlights Closing of SVD’s 150th Jubilee at Collegio Verbo Divino in Rome
GMD
The ceremony carried a special resonance in the 10th anniversary year of Laudato Si’, Pope Francis’ encyclical on care for our common home. By planting trees, the congregation reaffirmed its commitment to creation, uniting the Jubilee’s celebration of history with the urgent call to ecological conversion today.
The celebration opened with an introduction by Fr. Richard Quadros, coordinator of the SVD’s Justice, Peace, and Integrity of Creation (JPIC) ministry. He invited the community to see the planting as a bridge between past and future. “The Society of the Divine Word celebrates its 150th anniversary, a milestone that honors its humble beginnings, steady growth, and unwavering service to the wounded world,” he said. “Like a seed that must fall and die to bear fruit, our past—rich with hopes, wounds, and challenges—becomes the fertile ground for new life. Today, as we plant oak saplings, we symbolize this legacy: a tree of faith with branches spreading across nations, cultures, and languages, offering shelter and hope to all.”
The Gospel reading from John 15:1–8, proclaimed in Spanish by Fr. Marlon Bobier Vargas, recalled the call to remain in Christ, the true vine. Prayers of the Faithful, led in Italian by Fr. Thomas Aquino Nuwa Wele, lifted up petitions for SVD leaders, peace in the world, the poor and marginalized, and the integrity of creation.
Former Superior General Fr. Antonio Pernia, SVD, presided over the blessing of the soil and the planting of the first oak saplings. “Bless the soil and make it fertile. Bless the oak saplings we are about to plant,” he prayed. “The oak tree represents strength, stability, and endurance. May every member of the Society remain fertile, committed, and open to new beginnings.” Hymns of thanksgiving accompanied the planting.
The community then processed to a second site for another blessing and planting. Adding her voice, Dott.ssa Sansone prayed: “Loving God, You are the true Vine and we are the branches. As we plant this tree at the conclusion of the Jubilee year, may it remind us that without You we can do nothing. Root us deeply in Your Word so that our lives may bear lasting fruit: fruits of faith, justice, and love for all creation.” She then joined in planting, underscoring the unity of religious and lay partners in mission.
The ceremony ended with words of gratitude from Fr. Anbu Pushpa to all who prepared and participated. For the Society of the Divine Word, planting oak saplings signified rootedness in Christ, fidelity to mission, and openness to growth. As they take root at Collegio Verbo Divino, the trees witness to 150 years of mission, echoing the spirit of Laudato Si’ and God’s enduring love for the world.
