Divine Word Missionaries marks 150 years with International Conference on Mission in Rome

The Society of the Divine Word (SVD) is set to mark its 150th anniversary with an International Conference on Mission, gathering theologians, missionaries, scholars, and activists.

Themed “Witnessing to the Light: From Everywhere, For Everyone,” the event will take place from March 27 to 29, 2025, at the Pontifical Gregorian University’s Matteo Ricci Conference Center in Rome.

Founded by Saint Arnold Janssen in 1875 in Steyl, Holland, SVD has grown into a global congregation of nearly 6,000 priests and brothers serving on five continents. 

Engaged in pastoral ministry, education, biblical apostolate, communication, and justice and peace initiatives, the SVD has remained committed to bringing the message of Christ to people of diverse cultures and backgrounds.

As the congregation celebrates this milestone, the International Conference on Mission aims to reflect on the Missio Dei—the mission of God—through the lens of contemporary challenges, emphasizing healing, cultural dialogue, and the Church’s role in a postmodern world.

The conference will begin with an inaugural session led by Fr. Anselmo Ribeiro, SVD, Superior General, followed by an inaugural address from Cardinal Luis Antonio Tagle, Pro-Prefect of the Dicastery for Evangelization.

A keynote speech by Fr. Stephen Bevans, SVD (USA), Professor Emeritus at Catholic Theological Union, will set the stage for profound discussions on how the Missio Dei continues to be relevant in a time of shifting cultural, social, and religious landscapes.

The three-day conference will focus on three major themes: Healing wounds, challenged by postmodernity, and learning from cultures, inspired by religions. 

The first day will explore the role of the Church in restoring human dignity and responding to societal wounds. Notable speakers include Fr. Flavie Villanueva, SVD (Philippines), who will discuss "Empowering the Homeless," and Former Senator Leila de Lima (Philippines), who will present "Sanctuary and Savior: The Church in the Philippines during the Drug War," offering a reflection on the Church’s role in upholding human rights amid political and social crises. Other sessions will address healing ecological wounds, migration, and the biblical perspectives on hope.

The second day will tackle the challenges of postmodernity and its impact on the Church’s mission. Discussions will explore the Christian mission in a secularizing world, paradigm shifts in evangelization, and the rise of transhumanism.

Leading scholars such as Dorottya Nagy (Netherlands) and Tiziano Tosolini, SX (Rome), will examine how the Church can navigate ethical dilemmas and societal transformations in an era of rapid change.

The final day will focus on learning from cultures and fostering interreligious dialogue. Asian perspectives will be highlighted with Fr. Antonio Pernia, SVD (Philippines), who will offer "A Missiological Reflection on Cultures," and Piotr Adamek, SVD (Taiwan), who will discuss "Taiwanese Folk Religion and Missio Dei." 

These discussions will emphasize how different cultural traditions influence theological discourse and missionary engagement, further enriching the Church’s approach to evangelization.

Although the sessions will not be streamed live, all talks will be recorded and available on SVD Mission TV for on-demand viewing. Organizers hope the conference will serve as a dynamic platform for dialogue, collaboration, and theological reflection, shaping the future of global missions.

As the Society of the Divine Word commemorates 150 years of missionary work, this conference provides a unique space to engage with contemporary theological and cultural issues. 

It stands as an invitation for scholars, missionaries, and the faithful to reflect on the Church’s evolving mission, explore new ways of fostering interreligious harmony, and reaffirm its commitment to justice, peace, and evangelization.