Tagaytay City—In his inaugural speech last July 31, 2023 as the incoming Director of the Divine Word Institute of Mission Studies (DWIMS), Rev. Fr. Samuel “Sam” Naceno-Agcaracar, SVD, discussed how his leadership of the institute would be guided by three primary principles—tradition, innovation, and collaboration.
The inaugural speech was conducted at the Aula Magna, following the symbolic turn-over of responsibility for DWIMS through the passing of the director's medallion from the institute’s founder and first Director, Rev. Fr. Edgar G. Javier, SVD, to Fr. Sam.
Filled with a deep sense of honor and responsibility, Fr. Sam acknowledged both the magnitude of the task before him and the inspiring legacy of his predecessor, Fr. Edgar. With an air of humility, he expressed his gratitude to Rev. Fr. Jerome Marquez, SVD, President of the SVD Board of Trustees and Provincial Superior of the SVD Philippine Central Province, and his fellow SVD Confreres for entrusting him with this pivotal role.
Fr. Sam's vision for DWIMS was clear and forward-looking, underlined by a commitment to uphold three core principles that would guide his leadership journey—tradition, innovation, and collaboration.
The first principle, "tradition," echoes Fr. Sam’s belief in carrying forward the invaluable legacies and teachings of his predecessors with respect and continuity, especially in a world that constantly evolves. “I believe that there is so much in the SVD charisma that has to be shared with the world,” he said.
The second principle, "innovation," resonated with Fr. Sam's recognition of the dynamic nature of the Church's mission. Drawing inspiration from SVD founder St. Arnold Janssen, he stressed the need to be responsive to the world. DWIMS, he added, needs to stay relevant while retaining the core values of the institute. “We cannot remain enclosed in our own paradigms. We need to be open to the signs of the times,” he said.
The third principle, "collaboration," supports Fr. Sam’s appreciation of the interconnectedness that binds the DWIMS community, within and beyond. He discussed the mutual interdependence between DWIMS, the seminary, the SVD Farm, the local church, and other congregations and experts. His call for unity underscored the importance of collective efforts and the power of shared expertise. Fr. Sam emphasized the importance of embracing diversity in thought and practice, recognizing the immense value that different perspectives bring to the mission.
“As a missiologist, I have always believed that the world needs an institution that connects the great Catholic tradition to the context of our time. I believe that the world needs an institution whose scholars can help pass on its intellectual tradition, even as they address the challenges and opportunities that the Church faces in this century,” said Fr. Sam.
In a “deeply wounded world,” Fr. Sam emphasized that mission-driven individuals such as those formed by DWIMS are necessary. “The world needs … formed missionaries who are not only capable and knowledgeable but who also accept the responsibility to serve others, especially those in greatest need, (as well as) … prophets of dialogue who are agents of hope, reconciliation, and healing.”
As Fr. Sam accepted the mantle of leadership for DWIMS, he highlighted the challenges that lay ahead for him and his team. Nevertheless, he stated that God would be with DWIMS every step of the way, citing the origin of the word mission from the Latin “mission” (“sent”).
“This is no easy mission, but its difficulty is not our concern. We did not create the mission and we cannot change it either. … All of us have been sent—sent to see God, sent to study the Word, and sent to serve humanity. With this clarity of vision, we strive to work together in forming disciples whose hearts will continue to beat for the mission,” said Fr. Sam.
With a heartfelt thank you to the DWIMS community, Fr. Sam's inaugural address left an indelible mark, forging a path of unity and purpose for DWIMS' future endeavors.
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Before he became the current torchbearer of DWIMS as its new director, Fr. Sam's early years were steeped in the spiritual environment of Claveria, Cagayan, where the seeds of his calling and the beginnings of his eventual dedication to the mission of SVD were nurtured.
Fr. Sam began his journey as a catechist in the municipality's St. Joseph Parish, where the first SVD missionaries set foot in the country in 1933. This initial exposure to missionary work and devotion laid the foundation for his eventual path as a priest.
As his calling intensified, Fr. Sam took the momentous step of entering the Divine Word Formation Center in Urdaneta, Pangasinan, marking the beginning of his formal training. His commitment led him to join the SVD novitiate in 2001, and he was ordained a priest in 2006 as part of the Yobel Class, a group of 13 ordained priests that year, including his DWIMS predecessor Fr. Edgar.
Fr. Sam's journey of knowledge and spiritual growth saw him undertaking various roles and responsibilities. He served as the High School Director at the Divine Word College of Calapan and embarked on a scholarly pursuit, undertaking studies in Rome to attain his Licentiate in Sacred Theology. His academic journey continued as he took on teaching roles at the Divine Word Seminary Tagaytay and the Divine Word Institute of Mission Studies, embodying the institution's core values of scholarship and mission.
His commitment to the study of missiology led him to become a part of the esteemed Academic community of the Institute for Consecrated Life in Asia (ICLA), alongside renowned missiologists such as Fr. Edgar. Fr. Sam's relentless pursuit of knowledge culminated in the attainment of his Doctorate in Missiology from Rome.
Beyond his scholarly pursuits, Fr. Sam also pursued artistic and creative avenues for his passion for mission. He collaborated with composer Rev. Fr. Edwin Fernandez, SVD, in producing and singing for the mission-inspired album titled "I Want Your Light." Through the album, Fr. Sam generated funds locally and internationally to support DWIMS' scholarship programs and promote the passion for mission that he and the institute embody.
At present, aside from being the Director of DWIMS, Fr. Sam is also the Rector of the SVD-Tagaytay Community and the Executive Director of the SVD Farm.
In addition to his current role as the esteemed Director of DWIMS, Fr. Sam also holds two other significant leadership positions. As the Rector of the SVD-Tagaytay Community, he oversees SVD-Tagaytay's various projects and initiatives, fostering an environment of growth and shared purpose among its members. Moreover, his dedication extends to overseeing the SVD Laudato Si' Farm, otherwise known as the SVD Farm, as its Executive Director, a role that reinforces his commitment to sustainable practices and cultivating a harmonious relationship between nature and the community.
As Fr. Sam assumes the directorship of DWIMS, his journey from being a catechist in Claveria to a missionary, scholar, and artistic soul serves as a testament to the institution's core values and mission. Under his guidance, DWIMS is ready to continue to fulfill its goal of "making the heart beat for mission."