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Divine Word missionaries focus on synodal leadership in their ministry
Thirty-five newly appointed leaders of the Society of the Divine Word (SVD) conclude a two-week formation programme in Nemi, near Rome, with a renewed commitment to exercise leadership in a synodal spirit, placing God’s mission at the centre of their service.
By Kasmir Nema, SVD in Nemi, Italy
Held from 21 June to 4 July at the Centro Ad Gentes, the workshop brought together Provincial, Regional and Mission Superiors from Africa, Asia-Pacific, Europe and the Americas under the theme, “Synodal Leadership in the Service of Missio Dei“ (God’s mission).
The programme combined spiritual formation, theological reflection and practical leadership training, helping participants prepare for their new responsibilities in guiding missionary communities amid the changing realities of the Church and the world.
Leadership rooted in God’s mission
Opening the workshop, Superior General Fr. Anselmo Ricardo Ribeiro, SVD, reminded participants that leadership in the Church begins not with authority or administration but with participation in God’s own mission.
He invited the new superiors to understand leadership as a ministry of service, accompanying their confreres, fostering communion and encouraging shared responsibility in the missionary life of the congregation.
Throughout the programme, participants reflected on synodality as a way of leading through listening, dialogue and communal discernment. Rather than viewing leadership primarily as governance, presenters highlighted the role of religious superiors in creating communities where every member can contribute to the Church’s evangelizing mission.
Drawing inspiration from the spirituality of St. Arnold Janssen, founder of the Society of the Divine Word, as well as the congregation’s missionary saints and blesseds, the sessions emphasized humility, openness to the Holy Spirit and discernment as essential qualities of missionary leadership. Biblical reflections focused on figures such as Moses, Esther and St. Paul, while presenting Jesus Christ as the model of servant leadership.
Presentations during the meeting of SVD missionary leadership (@SVD Generalate Media Department)
Building intercultural missionary communities
A significant part of the workshop focused on intercultural living, a defining characteristic of the Society, whose missionaries serve in more than 80 countries. Participants reflected on cultural diversity as a gift that strengthens missionary witness and expresses the universality of the Gospel. They were encouraged to build communities marked by fraternity, dialogue and mutual learning.
The formation also addressed the practical responsibilities entrusted to religious leaders, including safeguarding, financial stewardship, governance, canon law, pastoral accompaniment and community discernment. Speakers emphasized that transparency, accountability and responsible administration are integral to serving both people and mission.
Responding to the missionary challenges of today
During the second week, discussions turned to the future of the congregation as it responds to demographic changes, new missionary priorities and the growing international character of its membership. Fr. Ribeiro encouraged participants to discern new forms of missionary collaboration and to strengthen intercultural leadership, particularly as the Church continues to grow in many parts of the Global South.
Additional sessions explored key areas of the congregation’s missionary commitment, including biblical ministry, communication, justice, peace and the integrity of creation (JPIC), and ministry among people living in situations of vulnerability.
Reflecting on evangelization in the digital age, Fr. Kasmir Nema, SVD, Coordinator for Communications at the Generalate, underlined that communication is an essential dimension of the Church’s mission. Referring to Pope Leo XIV’s teaching on artificial intelligence in Magnifica Humanitas, he encouraged participants to embrace digital media as a means of proclaiming the Gospel while promoting truth, human dignity and authentic human encounter.
Responding to the missionary challenges of today (@SVD Generalate Media Department)
Sent forth in a synodal spirit
As the workshop concluded, the newly appointed leaders returned to their Provinces, Regions and Missions with a renewed commitment to accompany their communities through discernment, collaboration and missionary service.
Their formation reaffirmed that leadership in the Church is rooted not in the exercise of power but in faithful service to God’s mission, lived through communion, humility and hope.
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