32 help me grow into the missionary life God has called me into. Embracing Interculturality One of the primary characteristics of the Divine Word Missionaries is their intercultural ministry approach. As a student preparing for missionary service, the SVD's diversity and commitment to intercultural living provide a strong witness. Interculturality will become increasingly important as the world becomes more interconnected. Pope Francis constantly refers to the Church as a “field hospital concerned more with those who suffer than with defending its own interests, taking the risk of novelty, in order to be more faithful to the Gospel."31 The SVD's multicultural communities have the opportunity to respond to the urgent needs of those on the margins. Understanding and respecting diverse cultures, languages, and traditions, as well as living testimony to the universality of Christ's love, allows us to transcend divisions. My SVD formation has introduced me to a vibrant, intercultural community, reflecting the diversity of God’s creation. Living with seminarians from various cultural backgrounds has helped me appreciate that witnessing the light of Christ means embracing diversity and learning to work in harmony with others. This experience mirrors the mission of the Divine Word Missionaries, where intercultural living is an essential aspect of our witness to the Gospel. This formation challenges me to grow in humility, openness, and adaptability, which are all crucial for the mission field, where understanding different cultural contexts is key to effective evangelization. Personal, Spiritual, Theological Understanding, and Missionary Spirit The formation I have received provides me with the tools to deepen my relationship with Christ and to grow in my theological knowledge. Regular spiritual exercises such as prayer, meditation, and the Eucharist help me connect with Christ, the true light that I am called to witness. Furthermore, the theological education I receive enriches my understanding of the faith and equips me to explain and defend it in various contexts. I am constantly called to examine myself, my motivations, and my vocation. I am offered opportunities for personal growth, challenging me to confront my weaknesses and allowing God's grace to transform me. In doing so, I am being prepared to not only witness Christ's light but to become that light for others. This ongoing process of transformation is integral to my future mission, to live with integrity and embody the message I am proclaiming each and every day, through my interactions with others. This is what the SVD missionary spirit is about. Being a missionary is not just about preaching or doing social work; it is about 31 https://www.vaticannews.va/en/pope/news/202205/pope-francis-audience-village-of-francis.html
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