VIVAT-JPIC Training Workshop held in Madang
VIVAT International held a training workshop in Madang, Papua New Guinea, from 14 to 18 September 2025. The event brought together religious, diocesan, youth and lay participants to strengthen local action for justice, peace and the integrity of creation.
The workshop was organised at the SVD Conference Centre by the Justice, Peace and Integrity of Creation (JPIC) coordinators, Sr Arnolda Kavanamur, SSpS, and Fr Vincent Wasaring, SVD.
Understanding VIVAT and JPIC
Fr Richard Quadros, SVD, JPIC Coordinator from Rome, and Sr Gretta Fernandes, SSpS, Executive Secretary of the VIVAT International Office in New York, introduced the participants to the meaning, origins and structure of VIVAT International and JPIC.
The workshop was guided by the theme, “Choose Life: Protect, Nurture and Thrive.” The theme reflects the conviction that life is a gift from God and that every human person, created in the image and likeness of God, possesses an inherent dignity that must be respected and protected.
VIVAT International is a non-governmental organisation with more than 17,000 members from 12 Catholic religious congregations. Working in 121 countries, it promotes human rights through advocacy at international and local levels. Founded in 2000 by the Society of the Divine Word (SVD) and the Missionary Sisters of the Holy Spirit (SSpS), VIVAT works closely with JPIC, a commission dedicated to peacebuilding, human rights and care for creation.
Participants begin with Mass
The workshop opened with Mass at St Arnold Janssen Chapel, near the SVD community. In his homily, Fr Romeo Yadao, SVD, Provincial Superior of the SVD in Papua New Guinea, explained the meaning of VIVAT, a Latin word that means “life”.
Participants came from the dioceses of Wabag, Mendi, Mount Hagen, Goroka, Lae, Madang, Aitape, Wewak, Rabaul, Kimbe, Bougainville and Port Moresby. They represented religious congregations, diocesan clergy, young people, lay faithful and members of other Christian denominations.
From reflection to regional action
During the first three days, the participants worked in five discussion groups. In the final two days, they were organised into four regions—the Highlands, Momase, New Guinea Islands and Southern Region—to identify urgent social issues and prepare regional action plans.
The plans are intended to guide gradual action in each region. Participants also worked with the core team to draft a joint statement for the future VIVAT team in Papua New Guinea. In it, they committed themselves to protecting life, nurturing hope and fostering a nation rooted in justice, peace and the integrity of creation.
A local VIVAT team for Papua New Guinea
The workshop concluded with the announcement that Papua New Guinea is now qualified to establish a local VIVAT team. The participants welcomed the development as an opportunity to strengthen cooperation and advocacy for the dignity of every person and the care of creation.
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