The gathering encouraged greater lay participation in the Society’s mission through prayer, formation, and dialogue. The opening session featured Rev. Augustine “Gus” Wall, SVD, Provincial Superior, who reflected on “Faithful and Creative Disciples in a Wounded World.” Rev. Rofinus Jas, SVD, presented an overview of the Society and the SVD Lay Partners Program, while Jose and Beatrice Garcia shared the experience of the PANAM Zone Lay Partners.

On the second day, Rev. Mario Rasonabe, SVD, reflected on the vocation and mission of SVD Lay Partners, followed by Deacon Justin Mitchell of Our Mother of Mercy Catholic Church, who spoke on the conference theme.

A highlight of the conference was the sharing of successful SVD Lay Collaborator programs from Our Mother of Mercy Parish in Pass Christian and Holy Ghost Parish in Opelousas. Their experiences inspired participants to strengthen lay collaboration in their own parishes. Practical guidelines and formation resources, including a book by Rev. Rofinus Jas, SVD, were also provided to support the development of new Lay Collaborator programs.

The conference concluded with a prayerful pilgrimage to the SVD Grotto and Cemetery, where participants honored deceased Divine Word Missionaries through prayer and the laying of flowers. They departed renewed in their commitment to the shared mission of the Society of the Divine Word and inspired to let the light of Christ shine through their service in the Church and the world.