Tagaytay City—In his valedictory speech last July 31, 2023 as the outgoing Director of the Divine Word Institute of Mission Studies (DWIMS), Rev. Fr. Edgar G. Javier, SVD, expressed gratitude for DWIMS' role as a “mission laboratory” and encouraged his successor, incoming director Rev. Fr. Samuel “Sam” Naceno-Agcaracar, SVD, to guide the institute as it continues its transformative journey.
Fr. Edgar's valedictory speech resonated with the weight of wisdom and the spirit of mission, capturing the essence of his journey as the founding director and visionary of the institute. The celebration was attended by esteemed guests, professors, students, alumni, lay mission partners, and other distinguished individuals.
The speech was conducted at the Aula Magna, prior to the symbolic turn-over of responsibility for DWIMS through the passing of the director's medallion from Fr. Javier to Fr. Sam.
In his introduction, Fr. Edgar explained his choice for the theme of his address, "Every step is an end, and every step is a fresh beginning," inspired by the words of poet Johann Wolfgang von Goethe. He first came across the quote in copy of the King's Clarion of the Christ the King Mission Seminary way back in 1964, and since then, he said that the poet’s words have stayed with him.
Drawing parallels from the lyrics of the song "Sunrise, Sunset" from the classic movie "The Fiddler on the Roof," Fr. Edgar expressed pleasant surprise at the growth of DWIMS ever since its establishment back in 2012. “Indeed, to everything there is a reason and a season and a time to every purpose under heaven. ‘Tempus fugit,’ so the old Latin saying goes. Time flies indeed,” he said.
Fr. Edgar talked about the challenges and triumphs which faced DWIMS, describing the journey as both difficult and possible, and the odds as both numerous and surmountable. Quoting the prophet Habakkuk, he revealed the underlying principle that guided his actions—"Write down the vision and wait; it will happen at the right time." He shared that he waited and prayed for years, and eventually, DWIMS was canonically erected—an institute “sui generis,” uniquely established in the world under the auspices of SVD and in collaboration with the University of Santo Tomas.
Referring to the story of the prophet Isaiah, Fr. Edgar illuminated his approach to running DWIMS, focusing on cultural exchange. "Difference is a gift, not a burden. … Like Isaiah who saw Yahweh building highways to connect Assyria to Egypt and Egypt to Israel, I designed a plan of studies to make our students and graduates agents of interconnectivity in the global world," he explained.
Echoing the message of St. Paul in his letter to Hebrews, Fr. Edgar explained how he “(led) our students and alumni outside the gate of Christianity and the Church” and encouraged them to “develop a culture of encounter, especially with those who are different from us.” “Again and again, I encouraged them to go to the frontiers, geographically or existentially, to be able to feel the pulse of the people, and share God's unconditional love for them,” he said.
Fr. Edgar discussed the institutional characteristics of DWIMS, highlighting the need for “healers and reconcilers in a broken and wounded world,” “listeners and not talkers in this noisy world,” “ecomissiologists who would promote care for the earth, our common home,” and “men and women of silence and contemplation who value silence, the language of God.”
imploring the DWIMS community to continue seeking the traces of the trinity (“vestigia trinitatis”), the wonders of God (“mirabilia dei”), and the seeds of the Word (“semina Verbi”). “(Always) look for what is good, true and beautiful, in soul, in every person, and in strife, in every culture, religion, and so on, that (you) encounter,” he said.
“Now, my time is up. I have done my share. But parting is such sweet sorrow. To say goodbye to DWIMS will take me forever,” said Fr. Edgar.
Fr. Edgar’s parting message was one of hope and continuity, welcoming Fr. Sam and his team and expressing his hope that “they continue what God has permitted us to begin in His name.” He also acknowledged his former team, composed of Rev. Fr. Antonio M. Pernia, SVD, Rev. Fr. Gerardo Donato, SVD., and the late Rev. Fr. Dante B. Venus, SVD. He also thanked DWIMS for embodying a “mission laboratory” for the realization of its vision and mission, as well as for providing its missionaries with professional education and training.
“Thank you to all of you whose hearts are also beating for mission. … May the darkness of sin and the night unbelief vanish before the light of the world and the spirit of grace, and may the heart of Jesus live in our hearts. Farewell, DWIMS,” he said.
Fr. Edgar's valedictory address encapsulated not only his personal journey but also the transformative spirit that defines DWIMS—a spirit that continues to shape future generations of missionary leaders.
After Fr. Edgar’s message, the turn-over of responsibility for DWIMS was formalized during the passing of the director's medallion to his successor, Fr. Sam, signifying the embrace of a new era while honoring the legacy that paved the way.
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As the visionary founder and first Director of DWIMS, Fr. Edgar is a distinguished figure in the SVD Tagaytay Community, and beyond. Even before his founding of the esteemed institution of DWIMS, Fr. Edgar had always been renowned for his commitment to the missionary vocation.
Fr. Edgar's early years were characterized by his deep spiritual calling, leading him to enter Christ the King Mission Seminary in 1966. His dedication to the SVD mission was evident from the start, as he embraced the life of a novice in 1968. His commitment reached its pinnacle when he was ordained as a priest in 1975 at the Divine Word Seminary in Tagaytay, a significant moment that marked the beginning of his priestly service.
His initial assignments as a priest were in Mindoro, where he played pivotal roles in the St. Augustine Parish and the St. Joseph Parish Mangyan Mission in San Jose, Occidental Mindoro, from 1976 to 1979. This period of service allowed him to develop a deep connection with the local communities and laid the foundation for his future missionary endeavors.
Upon his return from studying Missiology in Rome, Fr. Edgar assumed the role of Chancellor at the Vicariate of Calapan from 1979 to 1985. During this time, he demonstrated his administrative skills and commitment to mission. From 1985 to 1995, he embarked on a transformative mission journey in Samoa, where he dedicated a decade to serving the local community. Later on, he extended his missionary service to Fiji from 1995 to 1999, followed by another year in Australia. These experiences broadened his horizons and enriched his understanding of diverse cultures and communities.
Fr. Edgar's commitment to missionary work remained steadfast as he returned to the Philippines. He spent two years at the St. Joseph's College Seminary in San Jose, Occidental Mindoro, followed by a role as parish priest at the St. Joseph Parish in Pag-asa, Sablayan, from 2001 to 2005. During this time, he continued to make a meaningful impact on the lives of those he served.
In the subsequent years, Fr. Edgar transitioned into the role of a dedicated professor. He began his academic journey at the Catholic Trade School in Manila, subsequently joining the faculty of Christ the King Mission Seminary from 2005 to 2012. His passion for education and missionary formation was evident in his commitment to nurturing the next generation of missionaries.
As Fr. Edgar turns over the directorship of DWIMS, we extend our deepest gratitude for his unwavering commitment to shaping the future of mission education. His founding vision and leadership have been instrumental in establishing DWIMS as a beacon of knowledge and inspiration for missionaries worldwide. His dedication to nurturing the hearts and minds of future missionaries, along with his profound insights into the field of mission studies, have left an indelible mark on our institution. We thank Fr. Edgar for his tireless efforts, visionary leadership, and the enduring legacy he leaves behind. His impact on DWIMS will continue to guide and inspire us as we embark on the next chapter of our mission journey.