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Walking Together in God’s Mission: SVD Lay Mission Partners Gather in Bohol
I Wayan Heriyanto, SVD
Held at the Holy Name University (HNU) Mission and Spirituality Sanctum in Banat-i Hills, Tagbilaran City, the assembly brought together 73 SVD lay partners from various parts of the SVD Philippine Southern Province. Guided by the theme on “Mission Circle: Dialogue on the Echoes of the Mission,” that highlighted the mission and synodal journey of the SVDs and the lay partners. The participants reflected on their identity as missionary disciples and their role in God’s mission.
The assembly opened with the Holy Eucharist presided over by Fr. I Wayan Heriyanto, SVD, Mission Secretary of the SVD-PHS. In the light of the Gospel, he reminded the participants that the heart of mission is love of God and love of neighbor. This spirit of love became the inspiration for all discussions, reflections, and activities throughout the gathering.
One of the highlights of the first day was the sharing of experiences from various SVD Lay Mission Partner groups. Representatives from Loreto, Veruela, Bohol, Maghaway, and Cebu shared what they have done over the last year together with their challenges and animation initiatives. Other new Lay Partners groups also took part in the gathering, namely, St Arnoldus Janssen Shrine Parish of Cebu, St. Vicente Ferrer of Surigao, and SVD Crusaders. Their stories revealed a common desire to serve and accompany people through prayer, formation programs, charitable works, and community-building efforts. Despite differences in context, all groups demonstrated a deep commitment to the mission entrusted to them inspired by St. Arnold and St. Joseph.
A major contribution to the assembly came from Fr. Marcelo Cattaneo, SVD, General Mission Secretary, who delivered an inspiring presentation on Mission Circles. He emphasized that the mission is first and foremost God’s mission, in which all baptized Christians are invited to participate. He challenged participants to embrace the contemporary vision of mission characterized by prophetic dialogue, missionary discipleship, solidarity with vulnerable communities, and a spirit of listening and mutual transformation.
A workshop following the SOAR (Strengths, Opportunities, Aspirations, and Results) framework took place where participants engaged in meaningful dialogue about the past, present, and future of the SVD Lay Partnership. Among the strengths identified were strong relationships, volunteerism, commitment, prayer, leadership, and collaboration with SVD missionaries. Opportunities included wider mission outreach, engagement with Indigenous Peoples, media evangelization, partnerships with schools and government agencies, and expanded formation programs. Participants also expressed aspirations for sustainable growth, increased membership, stronger formation programs, and deeper collaboration between lay partners and the SVD.
The second day focused on the report of the mission secretary, mission directions, and future planning. In his report, Fr. I Wayan Heriyanto, SVD, focused on fostering mission awareness, care for missionaries from other provinces, and fundraising. Then, Fr. Narciso Cellan, SVD, Provincial Superior of the SVD-PHS, shared the realities and challenges facing the province today. These include the decline in vocations, multiple assignments and workload among missionaries, mental health concerns, aging confreres, and limited resources for mission support. He invited the lay partners to become active collaborators in addressing these concerns, particularly in vocation promotion, pastoral support, and missionary outreach. Fr. Narciso also presented a strategic framework centered on the PHS acronym, that is, Participation, Harmony, and Simplicity.
The assembly concluded with planning sessions in which each lay partner group formulated concrete action plans for the coming year. Participants also voted to hold the next general assemblies every two years, allowing local groups more time to implement programs and report significant accomplishments. Discussions also looked ahead to broader collaboration, including the possibility of future international gatherings of SVD Lay Partners in Asia.
As the gathering drew to a close, one message resonated strongly among all participants: mission is a shared responsibility. Lay partners and SVD missionaries are not separate groups working independently but companions journeying together in the mission of God. Inspired by the charism and spirituality of St. Arnold Janssen and strengthened by fellowship, prayer, and dialogue, the participants returned to their respective communities renewed in their commitment to be missionary disciples who bring God’s love, hope, and compassion to the world.
Indeed, the 3rd Annual General Assembly was more than a meeting; it was a living witness that when people unite in faith and mission, the Gospel continues to come alive in communities across the Philippines and beyond.
