The 1^st  SSpS International Seminar for the Communications Coordinators was opened on 1^st October 2018 at the SSpS Generalate in Rome.  39 participants from various  SSpS provinces and regions were welcomed by the Generalate Community. The opening Eucharist was celebrated by Fr. Arlindo Diaz SVD and concelebrated by Fr. Darwin Antony. The theme for the 3-week long seminar is Communication at the Service of Communion:  “Your Light must shine before people”, which was highlighted during the Mass by a short video introduction, homily, hymns and prayers. The offertory procession emphasized the significance of Media and Technology in our lives as religious missionaries living in international communities around the globe. It was a special moment when Fr. Arlindo blessed the congregation at the end of the Mass using the symbol (a lighted glass globe lamp).

After the Mass, the participants, along with the CLT members, proceeded to the seminar hall in a procession carrying the symbol and five other lamps representing five continents. Sr. Maria Theresia Hörnemann, the Congregational Leader, then welcomed the participants.  Other CLT members were also present – Sr. Mikaelin Bupu, Sr. Mary John Kudiyiruppil, and Sr. Eleonora Cichon.   Orientation to the programme and the house followed.

Sr. Marides Santos, the Congregational Communication Coordinator, along with the team – Sr. Ana Elidia Caffer Neves and Sr. Gini George have been preparing for this seminar with the support of the Congregational Leadership Team, Sr. Monika – the Generalate Community Leader – and other Sisters in the Generalate Community.