33 living the Gospel every day, in every context, and with every person. This missionary spirit calls me to go beyond myself, to serve others, and to bring the light of Christ to the peripheries of society, whether they be geographical, social, or spiritual. My formation continues to help me cultivate this spirit through the SVD emphasis on service, community living, and pastoral experiences. Marginalization, Ecological Awareness and Digital Mission The theme of "witnessing the light" calls us to be present to those on the margins of society—whether they be the poor, refugees, indigenous peoples, or those who are excluded because of racial, sexual or ethnic discrimination. As future missionaries, we students are being prepared to advocate for justice, peace, and the dignity of all people. Our response to human suffering and injustice will be critical in showing that the Gospel of Christ is alive and relevant today. The mission of the Church includes a focus on ecological justice, as emphasised in Pope Francis’ encyclical Laudato Si. The Divine Word Missionaries, as caretakers of creation, must witness the light by advocating for the protection of the environment and supporting sustainable living, particularly in communities affected by environmental degradation. For me this involves understanding how the Gospel message calls us all to care for and protect God’s creation through educating communities on ecological practices, advocating for climate justice, or simply living out a lifestyle that reflects respect for the Earth and its resources. Technology has reshaped communication, including how the Gospel is shared. The future mission of the Divine Word Missionaries will increasingly involve digital evangelisation—reaching people through social media, online platforms, and digital communities. I find it crucial for me to develop the skills to engage and communicate meaningfully in this digital mission space, where many people, especially younger generations, encounter different ideas which form their beliefs for good or ill. Contemporary Missionary Challenges In many countries, particularly in the West, the problem of secularisation is significant. It is critical for a missionary to understand how to share the light of Christ in a world that is more disinterested in religion. The challenge becomes greater in pluralistic societies, where as a missionary I will have to respect religious differences while remaining firm in my Christian identity. The Divine Word Missionaries have a strong tradition of dialogue, particularly in the context of interfaith relations. As a future missionary I will need to engage in meaningful dialogue with people of other faiths and beliefs, including secularists and non-religious persons, to seek common
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