John Paul Herman, SVD

SEDOS Annual Report 2025

I. Mission and Membership

SEDOS is a forum open to Institutes of Consecrated Life dedicated to deepening their understanding of global mission. We promote research and facilitate the sharing of information through the Bulletin, website, public conferences, working groups, and the Annual Residential Seminar.

Membership Status

  • Current Membership: SEDOS currently has 83 Member Congregations, including the Union of Superiors General (USG) and the International Union of Superiors General (UISG).

  • Departures: The Congregation of Paris Foreign Missions (MEP) and the Congregation of Christian Brothers (CFC) withdrew their membership this year.

  • Financial Challenge: Due to financial constraints, some congregations are withdrawing or hesitating to join SEDOS. To ensure our mission continues, we must promote new membership and encourage all current members and partners to support SEDOS generously.

II. SEDOS Activities 2025

A. Seminars and Special Events

Event

Theme & Date

Key Highlights

 

Spring Seminar

 

 

 

“Missio Dei in Today’s World...” (March 27-29, 2025)

SEDOS did not hold its own Spring Seminar this year. Instead, participated in the International Conference on Mission organized by the Divine Word Missionaries (SVD) at the Gregorian University. The theme was, “Missio Dei in Today’s World: Healing Wounds Challenged by Postmodernity, Learning from Cultures, Inspired by Religions.” The conference, which featured prominent global speakers, attracted 250 participants, demonstrating SEDOS’s commitment to promoting mission-focused dialogue across various perspectives.

 

 

 

 

 

Residential Seminar

 

 

 

 

“Missionary Institutes and Synodality: Charism, Prophecy and Witness” (June 16-20, 2025)

The Residential Seminar was held in Nemi, near Rome, with a total of 72 participants. The theme was “Missionary Institutes and Synodality: Charism, Prophecy and Witness.” The seminar began with an inspiring keynote address by Cardinal Luis Antonio Tagle. Each subsequent day focused on a sub-topic: Fr. Fabio Ciardi, OMI, spoke on Charism; Fr. Márcio Flávio Martins, CICM presented on Prophecy; and the final day on Witness featured panelists Sr. Maria Nirmalini, AC, Sr. Joan Agnes, MC, Fr. Antonio Porcellato, SMA, and Donatella Acerbi. The synodal experience (“walking together”) was highly valued by participants. Five scholarships were offered to students and deserving members.

 

 

 

Autumn Seminar

 

 

“From Ad Gentes to Inter Gentes” (October 23, 2025)

Celebrated the 60th Anniversary of Ad Gentes. The event held at UISG, saw 66 participants from 30 congregations and featured three key speakers. Archbishop Fortunatus Nwachukwu gave an informative talk on mission, followed by Prof. Paolo Trianni, who spoke on mission continuity and innovation, and Sr. Gloria Liliana Franco, (Order of the Company of Mary our Lady) who addressed the theme from a spiritual point of view.

B. Special Events

  • The Triple Event (December 18, 2024): The Annual General Assembly (AGA), SEDOS 60th Birthday Celebration, and Christmas Party were combined.

  • AGA: Held in the morning with 18 member congregations present. Sr. Nirmala Gnanapragasam, FMM, and Fr. Edgardo A. Guzman, CMF, were elected as new Executive Committee members.

  • Celebration: Though well-received, the venue was deemed less ideal for the combined celebration due to congestion. The Executive Committee decided to separate the AGA and the Christmas Party in the future.

  • General Audience and Photograph with Pope Leo XIV (June 11, 2025): SEDOS was privileged to participate in a general audience with the Holy Father on the occasion of SEDOS 60th Anniversary, a follow-up made possible after the passing of Pope Francis.

  • Other Engagements: SEDOS participated in several key events, including the JPIC Annual General Assembly on 19th May and the JPIC Way of the Cross on 4th April. Offered congratulations and participated in the Canonization of St. Maria Troncatti on 17th October, and most recently, SEDOS participated in celebrating the 60th year of Nostra Aetate at Vatican on 28th October.

  • SEDOS Survey: A survey was conducted for the 60th Anniversary on SEDOS Identity, Seminars, Website, and the Bulletin. Positive results were encouraging, and suggested changes are currently being implemented. The results are published in the Bulletin and on the website.

III. SEDOS Administration

A. Administrative Team

The dedicated staff ensures all SEDOS activities run smoothly:

  • Director (Fr. John Paul Herman, SVD): Actively works to enhance SEDOS’ various activities and outreach to members.

  • Bursar (Sr. Maria Jerly, SSpS): Manages all finance operations, ensuring quick and efficient receipts and payments. She has kept the budget well within limits and maintained financial stability.

  • Secretary (Sr. Celine, JMJ): Serves as the backbone of SEDOS, meticulously organizing all seminars and workshops, managing the Bulletin layout, and handling general office tasks.

  • Digital Assistant (Sr. Christina, JMJ): Keeps the website up-to-date, efficiently designs logos, and manages other digital programs. She has successfully implemented a new, attractive, and user-friendly look for the website (sedosmission.org).

  • Translation Services (Ms. Philippa Wooldridge): Continues to deliver prompt translations of articles and essential documents.

B. Executive Committee

The ten-member Executive Committee is a vital asset to SEDOS. They meet regularly to provide insights and ensure balanced leadership through gender and continental representation.

The current committee members are:

  • Sr. Mary Barron, OLA (President)

  • Fr. Alain Mayama, CSSp (Vice President)

  • Fr. John Paul Herman, SVD (Director)

  • Sr. Maria Jerly, SSpS (Treasurer)

  • Sr. Nirmala Gnanapragasam, FMM

  • Fr. Edgardo A. Guzman, CMF

  • Sr. Oyidu Okwori, SHCJ

  • Fr. Márcio Flávio Martins, CICM

  • Bro. René Stockman, FC

  • Sr. Anna Damas, SSpS

  • Gratitude: We offer our heartfelt thanks to Sr. Mary Barron, OLA, as she completes her six-year term with SEDOS (three years as Vice President and three years as President). Her dedicated service elevated SEDOS to new heights. We also extend our deep gratitude to Bro. René Stockman, FC and Sr. Anna Damas, SSpS for their three years of service on the Executive team, marked by creative insights and active participation.

C. Publications and Digital Platforms

  • SEDOS Bulletin: Highly regarded for its well-researched content. Accessible to scholars and students through a collaboration with EBSCO agency.

  • New Schedule: Now published quarterly (per survey suggestion).

  • Distribution: 210 copies of SEDOS Bulletin are produced every three months; most members now prefer the digital version, opting for one hard copy for documentation.

  • Website and social media: The website (sedosmission.org) has a new look that is simpler and more attractive. The Facebook Page (SEDOS Roma) is well managed, extending our reach and engagement.

  • Library: Consistently updated with new books, including contributions from Member Congregations, and new acquisitions are featured on the website.

IV. Financial Overview

The financial situation of SEDOS remains stable, well within the set limit of €100,000. Our operations rely primarily on annual membership fees.

  • “This year, we successfully reduced overall expenses to €91,135.41.

  • While we incurred additional costs for the 60th SEDOS Anniversary, including a survey and website update, these were offset by successfully collaborating on the SEDOS Spring Seminar with the SVD Jubilee International Conference.

  • Despite a decline in membership and subsequent income, our financial position remains stable. We have covered all current year expenses and are optimistic about maintaining this stability in 2026.

  • We urge all members to encourage new registrations for our upcoming seminars. Your active participation and support are vital not only for the growth and sustenance of SEDOS but also for our long-term financial sustainability. Furthermore, we are actively following up on a few outstanding membership fees and are hopeful for their prompt receipt.”

Financial Compliance

SEDOS ensures financial agreements comply with State requirements:

  • Religious Staff: Compensated through donations to their respective congregations.

  • Cleaning Staff & Translators: Provide fiscal invoices for their services.

V. Basic Schedule for 2026

  • Spring Seminar: Tuesday, March 10, 2026, at UISG, Rome.

  • Residential Seminar: May 4 – 8, 2026, at Nemi.

  • Autumn Seminar: Thursday, October 20, 2026, at UISG, Rome.

  • Annual General Assembly and Christmas party (2026): Date to be announced.

(Next Event: Christmas Party: Friday, December 12, 2025, at SVD Generalate, Rome.)

I am honoured to recognize the SEDOS team and its members for the vibrant life and energy they bring to our organization. We are grateful for the positive feedback we continue to receive regarding our work.

The commitment of our members is most evident during our seminars. Their active engagement—sharing creative insights and innovative ideas — makes these gatherings consistently valuable for all participants. Attendees leave equipped with fresh perspectives, new insights, and clear, actionable steps for their future work.

I strongly encourage all SEDOS Members to increase participation in these Seminars. They are an excellent opportunity to share experiences, strengthen our organization, and deepen your personal missionary journey as you face the challenges of today.

Let us renew our dedication to missionary life, striving for greater zeal and demonstrable impact.

Fr. John Paul Herman, SVD