Celebrating SEDOS@60 A Journey of Mission and Reflection
Dear Members and Readers,
This issue of the SEDOS Bulletin commemorates the Organization’s 60th Anniversary. On 18 December 2024, following the Annual General Assembly, members gathered to celebrate SEDOS@60 on the UISG premises.
The first article features the Opening Address by Sr. Mary Barron, OLA, the President. She welcomed the participants, highlighting the vision of the Founders. Sr. Barron emphasized the need for ongoing reflection on mission in today’s changing world, particularly within the context of the Church’s synodal journey. She calls upon SEDOS to assist missionaries in discerning God’s purpose in their specific contexts and to foster inter-congregational cooperation.
The second article presents the Annual General Report by Fr. John Paul Herman, SVD, the Executive Director. The Report summarises SEDOS’s activities, including the Seminars on, “Mission of Hope,” “Intergenerational Living,” and “Mission in Conflict Zones,” a workshop on AI, and cooperation with other organizations. It emphasizes the importance of member participation and outlines future plans, such as seminars on themes lime, “Missionary Institutes and Synodality” and “Synodality and Interculturality.”
Bro. René Stockman, FC, reflects on the celebration of Christmas. In the following article he explores the deeper meaning of Christmas beyond external symbols like light and Santa Claus, arguing that its true essence – the birth of Jesus and his message of love, hope, and peace – is often overlooked. Bro. Stockman emphasizes the importance of internalizing Jesus’ message, allowing it to guide our actions and relationships. He encourages readers to become “pilgrims of hope,” radiating love and peace in their daily lives and actively working for a more just and peaceful world.
James H. Kroeger, MM, author of the article “Journeying with Pope Francis,” delves into Pope Francis’s historic Asia-Pacific Journey from September 2-13, 2024. This 25,000-mile journey to Indonesia, Papua New Guinea, Timor Est, and Singapore showcased his role as a compassionate Shepherd to the 1.4 billion Roman Catholics worldwide. The article highlights significant themes and insights shared through Pope Francis’s 21 speeches and homilies during his 12-day trip.
Fabio Teixeira, CICM, in “Pilgrimage Principles as a Cure for Post-Seminary Depression,” explores the challenges newly ordained priests face, drawing parallels with “post-trail depression” experienced by long-distance hikers. He identifies key challenges such as loss of structure and purpose, loneliness, and cultural shock. To address these challenges, Fr. Teixeira suggests incorporating “pilgrimage principles” into the support system for young priests, including setting clear goals, fostering community, deepening cultural understanding, and organizing retreats and pilgrimages.
Fr. Paul B. Steffen’s article examines the challenges facing Christianity in a multi-ethnic and multicultural Europe. He highlights the significant impact of immigration on Europe’s societies, leading to a diverse Christian landscape. The article discusses the challenges of secularization, declining church attendance, and the need for a new understanding of mission that embraces inclusivity and addresses the specific needs of diverse communities. Paul Steffen emphasizes the importance of inter-religious dialogue and the Church’s role in addressing social issues like migration and inequality.
The Bulletin also includes Birthday Wishes from long-time co-workers like Fr. James Kroeger, MM, and Fr. Tesfaye Tadesse, MCCJ.
In its 60th year, SEDOS conducted a Survey to assess its activities. As a result of this Survey’s findings, included in this Bulletin, starting from this year, only four issues of the Bulletin will be published annually, instead of six.
Sixty years ago, a group of nine Superiors General with remarkable foresight established SEDOS, an institution dedicated to serving the Church’s global mission. From its humble beginnings, SEDOS has blossomed into a vibrant community of over 85 Members, that enriches our understanding of mission in a rapidly changing world.
This Anniversary is a time to celebrate the invaluable contributions of our past and present members. Their tireless efforts have transformed SEDOS into a respected hub for research and dialogue on mission.
Inspired by the Second Vatican Council, SEDOS embodies the spirit of partnership. It brings together missionaries from diverse backgrounds to learn, support, and inspire one another. This collaborative approach, born from the vision of those early Founders, remains crucial today.
As Pope Francis reminds us, “Challenges exist to be overcome!” (Evangelii Gaudium, n. 109). In a world grappling with war, hunger, and injustice, the Church’s mission is confronting unprecedented challenges. Yet, with unwavering commitment and the grace of God, let us retain our missionary vigour to overcome these obstacles.
SEDOS continues to play a vital role in guiding the Church’s mission. It serves as a “think tank” and a “wellspring of reflection” helping missionaries navigate complex realities while remaining faithful to their respective charism.
As we celebrate SEDOS@60, let us renew our commitment to the mission. Together, we can build a more just and compassionate world, reflecting the love and mercy of God.
Dr. John Paul Herman, SVD
Director of SEDOS
