Tagaytay City—Rev. Fr. Jerome Marquez, SVD, President of the SVD Board of Trustees and Provincial Superior of the SVD Philippine Central Province, presided over the celebration of the Holy Mass last July 31, 2023, in honor of the passing of the directorship of the Divine Word Institute of Mission Studies (DWIMS) from founder and first Director, Rev. Fr. Edgar G. Javier, SVD, to incoming new Director Rev. Fr. Samuel “Sam” Naceno-Agcaracar, SVD.
The Holy Mass was celebrated at the Holy Spirit Chapel at 5:00 PM.
During his homily, Fr. Jerome praised the courage with which Fr. Edgar faced and conquered obstacles as he steered the institute during its formative years, alongside his fellow visionaries. As Fr. Sam assumes leadership of DWIMS, Fr. Jerome also urged the DWIMS community to extend their prayers and support to Fr. Sam.
Fr. Jerome highlighted the institute's role in nurturing well-rounded mission-driven individuals, relating it to his personal journey in mission. "If DWIMS had been established much earlier than 2012, during my seminary years from 1985 to 1995, … my own academic pursuits would have taken a different course—a course aligned not just with canonical law, but deeply embedded in the very essence of the Church and the SVD," said Fr. Jerome.
Fr. Jerome emphasized that DWIMS’ leadership and administration “are not armchair theologians (but are instead) experienced missionaries whose lives were engaged in forming communities” in various mission areas, shining a light on DWIMS' dedication to “adaptable, contextually-sensitive” mission endeavors all over the world. As such, he reassured attendees that DWIMS is continually guided by missionaries who inspire young men and women towards mission and who “understand that mission today is not defined by geography but rather follows the contexts of people.”
The study of missiology, according to Fr. Jerome, is a “fascinating area which stimulates not only the mind and the heart but also the very core of our being as baptized Christians.” In particular, he stated that DWIMS is crucial to the Divine Word Seminary as a congregation founded by St. by St. Arnold Jan “primarily for mission.”
Fr. Jerome's homily served as an exhortation to DWIMS, highlighting the importance of “preparation, discipline, and a conversion experience” as requirements for doing mission. He acknowledged the intricate challenges posed by intercultural dialogue, the intersection of religion in the digital age, and the ongoing struggle against poverty, highlighting how the institute responds to these complexities as one community, united by a synodal spirit.
“The establishment of DWIMS is a response to the proposal of the general administration of SVD about setting up a missiological institute in Asia and the Pacific on account of the shift, the turn of the millennium, of the ‘center of gravity’ of the Catholic Church from the ‘global north’ to the ‘global south,” said Fr. Jerome about the history of DWIMS. After the Philippines was singled out as the most appropriate location for the planned missiological institute, Fr. Edgar and his “co-dreamers,” dubbed as such by Fr. Jerome, “braved these challenges and brought these ideas into concrete reality.”
The history of DWIMS, said Fr. Jerome, is likened to the parable of the mustard seed—though it may appear modest in comparison to established institutions, it is poised for exponential growth. "While it remains relatively small and remains to thrive, it is persevering and resolute in completing its purpose. … Like the small mustard seed, the steps it has taken may be humble, but they carry profound potential," he expressed, underscoring the institute's unwavering commitment to realizing its mission.
Fr. Jerome praised the concerted efforts of the visionary founder and first director of DWIMS, Fr. Edgar, who has been instrumental in the institute's journey, commenting on “the honor and dignity he exhibited in establishing and leading DWIMS.” He emphasized the canonical establishment of DWIMS as a testament to its academic and spiritual significance, highlighting its potential impact in the realm of mission studies. “Fr. Edgar and his team had seeded a soul which is embedded in the purpose of what DWIMS stands for,” he added.
Echoing Pope Francis' plea for reform in the Church's missionary outreach, Fr. Jerome urged that DWIMS should work towards “a pastoral and missionary conversion which cannot leave things as they presently are.” "Missionary reform is needed, for the reality of how the Church is living falls short of its ideals. As we gather here today for this turnover ceremony, let us internalize that DWIMS' influence extends far beyond individual efforts—it's a collective endeavor that holds the power to shape the trajectory of missionary work, aligned with the very heart of the Divine Word," he added.
In a message directed towards Fr. Sam as incoming director of DWIMS, Fr. Jerome underscored the vibrant sense of community that DWIMS has fostered, encompassing students, alumni, professors, staff, and individuals who share in the institute's missionary calling. He noted this spirit of togetherness which was palpable during the celebration. He also commended the current academic staff of DWIMS, noting their wealth of knowledge, lived experiences, and strong sense of responsibility, guided by the Veritatis Gaudium (an apostolic constitution on ecclesiastical universities and faculties).
Fr. Jerome acknowledged the transitional phase DWIMS is about to embark upon under Fr. Sam’s leadership and addressed some key challenges that lie ahead. He called attention to the need for strategies that would attract more students who would be “agents in revitalizing the church and giving fresh enthusiasm on mission”. He also recognized the challenge of maintaining the financial sustainability of the institute. Finally, he noted the importance of building and maintaining a pool of capable professors and administrators to ensure the institute's continuity, noting the indispensable role of lay people and their contributions to the future of DWIMS.
The administration of DWIMS under Fr. Sam’s directorship would “definitely face challenges, following the missionary transformation as expressed by Pope Francis,” said Fr. Jerome. Nevertheless, he encouraged the community to offer their prayers and continuous support for Fr. Sam as he takes on this new responsibility.
“Let us participate in the mission endeavor of DWIMS. … The Lord wants us to bring the world His joy, His hope, and the life of God. Let DWIMS take part in this transformation of the world,” said Fr. Jerome, concluding his message.