Societas Verbi Divini (Society of the Divine Word, SVD) Central Province successfully concluded its inaugural three-day Word Youth Summit 2026. It was a landmark event celebrating the organization’s 150th anniversary honoring the legacy of St. Arnold Janssen. Held last January 15–17, the summit brought together over 400 participants representing diverse S.V.D. communities: priests, religious brothers and sisters, youth, students, faculty, and facilitators unified by a common mission to advance Christ’s Gospel in the modern world.
The Lord’s Flock Catholic Charismatic Community, graciously invited by Rev. Fr. Sedfrey Nebres, joined the gathering as a valued participant in this historic celebration of faith, the Word of God, fellowship, and spiritual renewal.
Day 1: Opening: A Solemn Eucharistic Celebration
The summit formally opened on January 15 with a solemn Eucharistic Celebration presided by Rev. Fr. Michael Layugan, SVD, Provincial Superior of the Societas Verbi Divini Philippine Central Province. This liturgy honored the memory of St. Arnold Janssen, the visionary founder whose missionary spirit continues to inspire generations of faith workers.
In his homily, Rev. Fr. Arlo Yap reflected on the timeless call to evangelize, urging youth to embrace their missionary vocation with courage and conviction. His message: “Go out and tell the Good News” set the spiritual tone for the entire summit, challenging young participants to become living witnesses to Christ’s transformative love.
Following the Mass, the energy shifted to the celebration. Participants solemnly processioned to the Christ the King Mission Seminary (C.K.M.S.) Covered Court, venerating St. Arnold Janssen. There, the Colorfest 2026 officially opened, featuring DJ Benko and dynamic performances by singer Myrus, Banda ni Kleggy, and Imago band. The evening’s vibrant opening performance beautifully bridged reverence and joy, concluding with a traditional Marian hymn that deepened the spiritual atmosphere.
Day 2: Digital Discipleship and Prophetic Witness Workshop
The second day commenced with morning liturgy, followed by a powerful keynote address delivered jointly by Rev. Fr. Jerry Orbos, SVD, and Most Rev. Bishop Marcelino Antonio Maralit Jr. Their presentations centered on a transformative theme: God’s Word is alive, dynamic, and urgently relevant to today’s world.
God’s Word in a Digital Age
Bishop Maralit emphasized that the social media is a modern “Areopagus” which offers unprecedented opportunities for evangelization and outreach. However, social media platform may also present serious spiritual risks. Digital connectivity alone cannot build authentic human bridges; in fact, without genuine compassion and humanity, it can deepen isolation. Echoing Pope Francis, the bishop challenged the youth with penetrating questions: What spirit do you carry into the digital world? Do you lead people closer to the truth? Do you protect human dignity? Do you reflect Christ in your online presence?
God’s Word as a Prophetic Voice
The keynote underscored three essential dimensions of God’s Word: it defends creation against exploitation, confronts injustice with courage, and speaks truth even when uncomfortable. The message was clear: “God’s Word comforts the afflicted but also afflicts the comfortable”, calling believers to prophetic action on behalf of the vulnerable.
Youth as the Church Today
In a particularly stirring moment, Bishop Maralit declared to the gathered youth: “You are not the future of this church; you are the church now.” He challenged them to let God’s Word transform their entire lives: “Let it move your body; let it shape your content; let it defend the poor and the earth; and let it make you brave.” The keynote concluded with a clarion call: “Go forth as loving letters of Christ.”
Following the address, delegates from diverse parishes, schools, and communities engaged the keynote speakers in thoughtful dialogue during a structured panel discussion.
Wordshops: Faith in Action
After the panel discussion, the youth dispersed into specialized “Wordshops,” an innovative workshop on the Word of God, which was a combination of spiritual formation and practical skill-building. Facilitated by accomplished professionals and spiritual leaders, these workshops translated the summit’s themes into concrete action:
The Fight for Social Justice (Rev. Fr. Flavie Villanueva, SVD) equipped participants to recognize and challenge structural injustice through faith-rooted activism.
Theatre and Creative Expression (Mr. Honorio Benitez) explored how dramatic arts can communicate Gospel values and challenge contemporary culture.
Embracing God’s Creation (Prof. Lillian Rodriguez) engaged the youth in environmental stewardship as a spiritual imperative, connecting ecological responsibility to Christian faith.
Witnessing to Christ (Ms. Kara David) addressed leadership development and integrity, equipping youth to model Christ’s values in their communities.
Through Lyrics and Songs (Rev. Fr. Manoling Francisco & Rev. Fr. Ferdinand Antoine Bajao, SVD) demonstrated how sacred music has become a vehicle for spiritual encounter and communal worship.
The Power of Content Creation (Mr. Marlon Fuentes & Mr. Arnel Atom) taught participants to harness digital media as a ministry tool, creating Christ-centered content in an increasingly online world.
Through Praise and Dance (Mr. Rama Marcaida & Danya Mauige) showed embodied worship through movement and music which expressed faith in joyful, liberating ways such as the traditional Stylized Pangalay dance and modern street dance “Happy” by Forrest Frank.
Day 2 concluded with evening praise, adoration, and fellowship among the delegates, deepening their bonds forged throughout the day.
Day 3: Encountering Religious Vocations
The summit’s final day opened with a Vocation Festival, a remarkable gathering of missionaries representing over 20 religious communities from around the world. Representatives from organizations: the Missionary Sisters of St. Anthony Mary-Claret, the Discalced Carmelites, the Xaverian Missionaries, the Missionary Sisters Servant of the Holy Spirit (Blue Sisters), the Augustinian Recollects, and many others shared their charisms and vocational stories.
After brief introductions, the youth engaged in a meaningful dialogue with these missionaries during a panel discussion, asking questions about religious life, missionary work, and their personal faith journeys. This direct encounter with diverse expressions of consecrated life provided authentic witness to what Gospel commitment looks like in practice.
The Passport Experience
To encourage deeper engagement, participants received passport guides and were invited to visit exhibition booths stationed throughout the C.K.M.S. Covered Court. In each booth, youth encountered missionaries face-to-face, collected materials and souvenirs, and explored the specific mission, spirituality, and charism of each community. This interactive format transformed the vocation festival into an immersive experience of discernment and discovery.
Celebrating the Workshops: Contest Fest
Later in the afternoon, participants competed in the Contest Fest, showcasing creative projects developed during the specialized workshops. From theatrical presentations to original songs, environmental initiatives to social justice campaigns, the competition celebrated the week’s formation and innovation while recognizing outstanding contributions.
A Grand Finale: The Societas Verbi Divini 150th Anniversary Concert
Finally, the three-day summit ended with an all-out SVD 150th Anniversary Concert, a spectacular celebration of faith, music, and community. Seminarians and priests took the stage, performing stirring presentations that honored the SVD charism while inspiring the youth to embrace their own vocational calls. The concert served as a joyful, triumphant conclusion to an intensely formative gathering.
To God be the Glory!
SCRIBES MINISTRY
Written by: John Peter B. Valino (Production P.A.)
Edited by: Vera I. Tuplano (Consultant, Scribes Ministry)
