Divine Word Missionaries

SVD Mission 2000

Province
Reports
for
the XV
General
Chapter

Contents

Presentation
Four Zones
AFRAM
ASPAC
EUROPA
PANAM
AR-
BOL
BR-
BRA
BRC
BRN
BRS
CHI
COL
ECU
MEX
PAR
US-
USC
USS
USW
Statistics
Index

en Español

SVD Publications
Generalate
Rome
1999

PANAM ZONE

1. In the Footsteps of the Church

In the history of our Society, the Latin American provinces were the first to meet together on the continental level in the 1970's. A common language, a shared social and cultural context, a shared history and the Catholic Faith contributed a great deal to make this coming together a reality. Without doubt, a major factor in the search for common grounds was the model of cooperation within the Church itself given by CELAM and the general assemblies of the Latin American bishops. The meetings of the Provincial Superiors were, in the beginning, of a spontaneous nature, but in the course of time, they acquired more importance and were more formally organized.

At the same time, the Provinces of North America were also working in close collaboration with one another. They shared a common formation program and similar missionary commitments.

2. Characteristics of the Zone

The Provincial Assemblies of Superiors held in São Paulo in 1992 resolved to form the PANAM Zone which was to include the Latin American provinces and the three provinces in North America. This organization was meant to provide a bridge between the two Americas, which, for many political, economic and cultural reasons, are joined together and influence one another.

The General Chapter of 1994 synthesizes the challenges facing the PANAM Zone and articulates elements of a common vision: “After 100 years in the Americas, now characterized by modernity and neo-liberalism, we Divine Word missionaries respond to the signs of life and death today.The Pan-American zone accepts its missionary calling to the indigenous, the African Americans, the marginalized, the oppressed, and peoples of various cultures, with a special option for the poor. We emphasize the missionary dimension ad gentes, through mission animation and formation, supporting the local churches by specific apostolates.”

SVD missionary service in Latin America has been strongly marked, especially in the past 25 years, by its commitment to the vast majority of the population who are poor, marginalized and oppressed. SVD missionary service in North America has long focused on those who are marginalized and oppressed because of racial or cultural differences. The two parts of the zone have a great deal to learn from one another, and a great deal to share.

3. Areas of Common Concern

The Panam Zone has defined 6 areas where the 16 provinces and regions want to put their spirit of solidarity and cooperation to the test: 1) Formation, 2) Mission Animation, 3) Biblical Apostolate, 4) Social Communication, 5) JPIC, and 6) Finances. The analysis, application and evaluation of these concerns according to commonly accepted criteria, contribute to the growing awareness of working together as a zone.