The SVD Queensland District gathered recently for its annual five-day retreat — described as a precious time of spiritual renewal, reflection, and fraternity.
The retreat took place at the Santa Teresa Retreat Centre in Brisbane last month under the theme, ‘SVD Mission Collaboration’.
Each of the Province’s four Characteristic Dimension Coordinators led a segment of the retreat, guiding the confreres in reflection in the areas of Mission, Communication, Bible Apostolate, and Justice, Peace and the Integrity of Creation (JPIC).
District Leader for Queensland, Fr Truc Quoc Phan SVD, said the retreat was an opportunity for the far-flung missionaries to spend time together away from the pressures of daily ministry.
“Our confreres, who minister in diverse and often distant mission areas including Palm Island, Townsville, Longreach, Emerald, Brisbane, and Murgon, rarely have the chance to meet in person,” he said.
“This annual retreat therefore becomes not only a moment of prayer and renewal but also a joyful reunion of our district family.”
Fr Truc said the focus on the four Characteristic Dimensions of the Society of the Divine Word allowed those present to reflect on their missionary vocation and to explore new paths of working together in mission.
“Throughout the retreat, we were deeply renewed in spirit — rediscovering the joy of our vocation and the strength that comes from living and serving together as missionary disciples,” he said.
“The days were enriched by the celebration of the Eucharist, moments of silence and prayer, thoughtful reflections, and heartfelt conversations with infectious smiles and laughter that rekindled our sense of brotherhood and mission.”
He thanked the four presenters, Fathers Elmer Ibarra, Jun Perez, Viet Nguyen and Joseph Reddy, “who graciously led us through the retreat”.
“Their insightful guidance and inspiring reflections helped us to deepen our understanding of our SVD identity and challenged us to live out our missionary calling with greater collaboration, faithfulness, and creativity in today’s world,” Fr Truc said.
Fr Truc said the confreres extended a special word of thanks to incoming Provincial, Fr Boni Buahendri SVD, for his ongoing presence and service to the Queensland District. Fr Boni has served at St Mark’s Parish, Inala, in Brisbane for the last several years.
“We warmly congratulate him on his new and important role as Provincial of the AUS Province,” Fr Truc said. “He can be assured of our prayers, support, and fraternity as he begins this new chapter of leadership in service of our Congregation and the mission of the Divine Word.”
Likewise, the Queensland confreres expressed their sincere appreciation to Fr François Andrianihantana SVD for his enthusiastic and dedicated ministry within the District, especially in the Central Highlands, as Assistant Priest of Emerald Parish. Fr Francois is soon to take up further studies.
“His pastoral zeal and joyful spirit have been a true blessing to those he has served. We wish him every success and God’s abundant grace in his upcoming studies.”
With the Queensland confreres serving in a number of dioceses across the state, Fr Truc said the gathering was a timely chance to renew their brotherly bonds.
“The retreat was a beautiful reminder that, although our mission areas may be scattered across Queensland, we remain united in one spirit — the missionary spirit of the Divine Word,” he said.
“Strengthened by faith and fraternity, we continue to walk together as brothers in mission, bringing the Good News of God’s love to the people entrusted to our care.”
PHOTO: SVD missionaries from the Queensland District of the Australia Province during their recent retreat.