Father Andrino says attending order’s chapter was fruit of Holy Spirit
October 19, 2024 at 7:00 a.m.
Traveling to Italy as a delegate to his order’s general chapter, Divine Word Father Guilherme Andrino got to meet Pope Francis, and he called his entire experience “a moment I will cherish forever.”
Meeting June 16-July 14 for the 19th General Chapter of the Society of the Divine Word in Nemi, just outside of Rome, Father Andrino said he noticed “many of us shared similar views on the importance of healing – both for the world and within our own SVD community.”
“This common ground raised a sense of unity and purpose. It pointed a direction for our mission, which I believe is the fruit of the Holy Spirit,” he said.
Father Andrino, pastor of Our Lady of Guadalupe Parish, Lakewood, traveled with Divine Word Father Stephen Michael, pastor of Mother of Mercy Parish, Asbury Park. The two served as elected delegates representing the Divine Word Chicago Province, joined by their provincial, Divine Word Father Adam Oleszczuk.
Common Ground
“Meeting with my confreres (priests and brothers) was an uplifting experience,” Father Andrino said. “It provided a sense of solidarity and mutual support as we shared our thoughts and concerns. Discussing the challenges faced by the world and by each one of us allowed us to search for ways to offer comfort and guidance to those in need. It reinforced our commitment to serving our communities with compassion and hope.”
Divine Word Missionaries and others enjoy a special meeting with Pope Francis during the 19th General Chapter of the Society of the Divine Word. Courtesy photo
On June 28, delegates traveled to the Vatican and met with Pope Francis, who “had read our draft document and gave us a short talk, emphasizing the need ‘to be the hope for every culture,’” Father Andrino said. “He encouraged us to be peacemakers and bring hope to diverse cultures, exhorting us to be ambassadors of reconciliation in a wounded world.
Upon personally greeting Pope Francis, Father Andrino mentioned that he is a native of Brazil who works in New Jersey with immigrants in Our Lady of Guadalupe Parish. “He gave me a very beautiful smile,” the priest said.
Identity and Mission
Father Andrino explained that the general conference’s theme, “Your Light Must Shine Before Others,” emphasized “being transformative missionary disciples who actively engage with and respond to the challenges faced by society.”
“We discussed the wounds of the world, our mission, and our personal wounds,” Father Andrino said. “At the end of the Chapter, we produced a document highlighting our contributions to healing these wounds.”
Some of those wounds are socio-cultural, including human trafficking and family breakdowns, as well as recognition for the need for adequate preparation to face the world’s challenges.
“The Chicago Province has played a pivotal role in healing the world’s wounds,” Father Andrino said. “Renowned for its grassroots efforts and mission, the province has a strong presence among African American and Hispanic communities, advocating for immigrants and the poor. Additionally, the Chicago Province financially supports missions in countries lacking resources for proper seminarian formation and daily needs of missionaries abroad.”
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Traveling to Italy as a delegate to his order’s general chapter, Divine Word Father Guilherme Andrino got to meet Pope Francis, and he called his entire experience “a moment I will cherish forever.”
Meeting June 16-July 14 for the 19th General Chapter of the Society of the Divine Word in Nemi, just outside of Rome, Father Andrino said he noticed “many of us shared similar views on the importance of healing – both for the world and within our own SVD community.”
“This common ground raised a sense of unity and purpose. It pointed a direction for our mission, which I believe is the fruit of the Holy Spirit,” he said.
Father Andrino, pastor of Our Lady of Guadalupe Parish, Lakewood, traveled with Divine Word Father Stephen Michael, pastor of Mother of Mercy Parish, Asbury Park. The two served as elected delegates representing the Divine Word Chicago Province, joined by their provincial, Divine Word Father Adam Oleszczuk.
Common Ground
“Meeting with my confreres (priests and brothers) was an uplifting experience,” Father Andrino said. “It provided a sense of solidarity and mutual support as we shared our thoughts and concerns. Discussing the challenges faced by the world and by each one of us allowed us to search for ways to offer comfort and guidance to those in need. It reinforced our commitment to serving our communities with compassion and hope.”
Divine Word Missionaries and others enjoy a special meeting with Pope Francis during the 19th General Chapter of the Society of the Divine Word. Courtesy photo
On June 28, delegates traveled to the Vatican and met with Pope Francis, who “had read our draft document and gave us a short talk, emphasizing the need ‘to be the hope for every culture,’” Father Andrino said. “He encouraged us to be peacemakers and bring hope to diverse cultures, exhorting us to be ambassadors of reconciliation in a wounded world.
Upon personally greeting Pope Francis, Father Andrino mentioned that he is a native of Brazil who works in New Jersey with immigrants in Our Lady of Guadalupe Parish. “He gave me a very beautiful smile,” the priest said.
Identity and Mission
Father Andrino explained that the general conference’s theme, “Your Light Must Shine Before Others,” emphasized “being transformative missionary disciples who actively engage with and respond to the challenges faced by society.”
“We discussed the wounds of the world, our mission, and our personal wounds,” Father Andrino said. “At the end of the Chapter, we produced a document highlighting our contributions to healing these wounds.”
Some of those wounds are socio-cultural, including human trafficking and family breakdowns, as well as recognition for the need for adequate preparation to face the world’s challenges.
“The Chicago Province has played a pivotal role in healing the world’s wounds,” Father Andrino said. “Renowned for its grassroots efforts and mission, the province has a strong presence among African American and Hispanic communities, advocating for immigrants and the poor. Additionally, the Chicago Province financially supports missions in countries lacking resources for proper seminarian formation and daily needs of missionaries abroad.”