This year’s Annual Missionary Encounter of the province was focused on the theme: Poverty, as emphasised by Pope Francis in his message ahead of the firs World day of the poor to be celebrated on 19th November 2017. The two-day encounter marks the tenth of its kind since its commencement and it is aimed at fostering a Christian missionary commitment and collaboration between the SVD, the SSpS, and our Lay Missionaries (LVD) in the Province.
Delivering on this year’s theme, were Fr. Laurentino Fernández, SVD and his female companion Mrs. Katty Estévez both from the SVD Biblical Centre in Quito- Ecuador province. The 120 participants present were lead to reflect on the Beatitudes in Matthew’s Gospel (Mt, 5:3-12) and our Christian call to work more with the weak and poor in society. The following were some of the focal points of reflection: First of all, In what do I serve as a model of Christ in sharing with the poor? In what way am I committed to help the poor improve upon their situation? How do I do it?
The encounter was climaxed with a Eucharistic celebration lead by the Provincial Superior Fr. Macario Villalón, SVD. The Provincial Mission secretary Br. Óscar González, SVD also took the opportunity to encourage the Lay faithful present to support some of the missionary projects and activities in the congregation.
By Frt. John Jerome, SVD
