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With One Heart, the Southern Cone in Action
International Gathering of SVD Lay Partners in the PANAM South Sub-zone
Fr. Leo Jesus Leto, SVD
Communication Coordinator CHI
The event, organized by ALMA VERBITA (Lay Verbitas of Chile) and supported by the SVD Chile Province, carried the theme: “With One Heart, the Southern Cone is in Action.”
“This is exactly what we hope for: that we come into action, that we grow in our understanding of the Congregation—its spirituality, charism, and the four missionary dimensions. As lay people, we are called to recognize our role in various ministries of the Church—education, parishes, and beyond. It’s a gift to listen to one another, to share our realities, and to deepen our bonds as brothers and sisters across borders,” shared Mrs. Magaly Morales, Coordinator of ALMA VERBITA.
A Space for Formation, Reflection, and Missionary Sharing
Over the course of three grace-filled days, lay partners engaged in spiritual formation sessions led by various SVD missionaries. Fr. Yuventus Kota, SVD, Provincial Superior of Chile, opened with a reflection on the importance of faith education in the family from a missionary perspective.
“The family is a living reflection of God’s love,” he said. “Its mission is to protect, reveal, and share this love in daily life, especially through the education of children.” He emphasized that biblical figures such as Abraham, Moses, and the Holy Family of Nazareth serve as key models for Catholic families in forming a strong faith foundation.
Fr. Lamberto Lalung, SVD, Mission Secretary of the Chilean Province, spoke on the Four Dimensions that define SVD missionary spirituality: Biblical Apostolate, Mission Animation, Communication, and Justice, Peace, and Integrity of Creation (JPIC). These, he said, are “essential pillars not only for SVD religious but for all lay collaborators engaged in the Church’s mission.”
Adding to the reflection, Fr. José Miguel, SVD, Biblical Coordinator, presented highlights from the 2024 SVD General Chapter Document, urging lay partners to take an active, co-responsible role in mission. He encouraged them to help build a Church that is open, compassionate, and responsive to the needs of today’s world.
Witnessing the Spirit at Work
The meeting was also marked by powerful testimonies. María Paz and Lidia, who had represented Chile at the international gathering of Lay Partners in Nemi, Italy, shared how that experience deepened their missionary identity. From Paraguay, Blanca offered insights into her participation at the SVD General Chapter, describing it as a profound moment of walking together as laity and religious in shared mission.
A highlight of the gathering was a deeply moving Eucharistic Adoration, led in song by Chilean Catholic musician Fernando Leiva, whose reflective hymns created a sacred atmosphere of prayer.
Leiva also shared his personal story of conversion, recounting how the Blessed Sacrament changed his life and inspired him to dedicate his music to the Gospel.
“It was a moment of grace,” noted one participant. “Many of us were brought to tears—renewed, grateful, and recommitted to the mission of Christ.”
A Renewed Call to Mission
The prayer sessions and sharing of faith from each country highlighted the rich cultural and spiritual diversity of the Southern Cone. Through community prayer and reflection, participants rediscovered that mission is not merely an external activity but an inner journey of being called, formed, and sent by God.
The meeting concluded with a Eucharistic celebration, presided over by Fr. Yuventus Kota, SVD, and concelebrated by Fr. Gino Ximenez, Fr. Lamberto Lalung, Fr. Bonaventura (Argentina), and Fr. Roberto Díaz.
In his homily, Fr. Kota called on all participants to embrace the joy and transformation brought by the Resurrection.
“Today, we are united in the spirit of Easter,” he said. “Let us wear our Easter face—one that radiates humility, peace, love, and forgiveness.”
This international encounter not only strengthened the bond among Lay Partners in the PANAM South Sub-zone but also reignited their passion to live and proclaim the Gospel with joy, humility, and dedication—truly, with one heart in action.
