The first workshop was held on June 7, 2026 at Mother Teresa Centre, where 31 Lay Partners from Holy Cross Parish and Mother Teresa Centre gathered following the morning Eucharist. The participants were welcomed and accompanied by Fr. Edward Okletey Teye, SVD, who facilitated the day’s formation.

The program focused on three key topics: the prayer life of SVD Lay Partners, the Four Characteristic Dimensions of the Society of the Divine Word, and the life and missionary vision of St. Arnold Janssen. Interactive group discussions and question-and-answer sessions encouraged participants to reflect on how they can live out their missionary vocation more effectively.

A second formation workshop took place on June 13, 2026 at St. Monica Parish in Beatrice, where Lay Partners from Harare joined the local community. Fr. Edward Okletey Teye, SVD, was joined by Rev. Deacon Obvious Chiorese, SVD, whose collaboration further enriched the formation experience.

One of the significant outcomes of the workshops was the continued growth of the SVD Lay Partners network. Each participating center also identified one of the Society’s Four Characteristic Dimensions as its primary area of missionary focus: Holy Cross Parish chose Justice, Peace and Integrity of Creation (JPIC); Mother Teresa Centre selected the Biblical Apostolate; and St. Monica Parish committed itself to Mission Animation.

Looking ahead, the SVD Lay Partners expressed their commitment to ongoing formation, greater youth involvement, and closer collaboration with the Divine Word Missionaries in advancing the Church’s missionary mission throughout the Zimbabwe Region.