The Dehonian Jubilee arrives in Quito, land of mission and hope
The Dehonian Jubilee (2024-2028) continues its journey through the most significant places in the Congregation's missionary history. Following the celebrations in Brussels and Saint-Quentin, the second phase of the centenary of Father Dehon's death and the 150th anniversary of the Congregation will be celebrated in Quito, Ecuador, from March 9th to 14th.
To enter into the spirit of this second phase of the Dehonian Jubilee, dedicated to missionary commitment, Fr. Benjamín Ramos, SCJ, Superior of the District of Ecuador, shares in this interview the significance of this moment for the Congregation and details regarding the preparation and development of this jubilee gathering.
Fr. Benjamín Ramos, we are just days away from experiencing the Dehonian Jubilee. Why is this event important for the Congregation and for the District of Ecuador?
Fr. Benjamín Ramos: For the Congregation, it is a crucial event because, looking back at our history, we must remember that Ecuador was the very first mission outside of Europe. The first missionaries sent by Fr. Dehon outside the European continent arrived precisely here. In a way, the missionary dimension of the Congregation was born on this Ecuadorian soil. That is why this meeting has such a special significance. For our District, which is young and small, this Jubilee is also an encouragement to strengthen the missionary dimension from our charism. It reminds us of the importance of going out of ourselves. As Pope Francis says, he wants an “outbound Church”; and our Congregation also wants to be an outbound Congregation.
How has Ecuador prepared to carry out this major event?
Since a good part of 2025 and throughout the beginning of 2026, we have been organized at many levels. All the religious have participated in the preparation by forming various working commissions. We have taken on this challenge with great enthusiasm and joy, but also with some apprehension, as it is undoubtedly the largest meeting we have organized as a District. We are a small reality, without large infrastructure or massive resources, but we have a lot of fervor. We are also very grateful because many sectors of the Congregation wished to get involved and be present.
The Jubilee has already begun with celebrations in Brussels and Saint-Quentin. What does the Quito stage signify?
Now it is Quito’s turn. It is a time to reflect and renew the missionary dimension of our Congregation within our spirituality. This dimension is one of the fundamental pillars of our identity. We hope that this meeting will also encourage other brothers to come and share the mission here in Ecuador.
Among the planned activities, which moments would you particularly highlight?
There are many activities, but I think one of the highlights will be the conferences and reflections (spiritual, theological, and pastoral). Another key moment will be the youth gathering. It will be a space of joy, especially during the creative prayer vigil we are preparing. There will also be cultural activities to discover the beauty of Quito and the historical richness of this host country.
Which entities of the Congregation are expected for this meeting?
Just today, part of the delegation from the Province of Southern Brazil arrived. Religious are also arriving from other provinces in Brazil, the United States, Canada, and entities from Asia. We are also expecting a large delegation from Chile. However, there have been visa difficulties. Some brothers from Indonesia were unable to travel due to the situation in the Middle East, and others from the Province of Cameroon and Congo were blocked due to administrative issues. They are very much in our thoughts. Of course, all the religious of the District of Ecuador and a large delegation of laity will be present.
For those who cannot make the trip, how can they follow the Jubilee?
Practically the entire meeting will be broadcast on the web and social media. The conferences, the youth gathering, and the vigil will be accessible on the official page of the Congregation (Dehonians) and on the Ecuador page (Dehonianos EC).
To conclude, what message would you like to send to the entire Congregation, which now has its eyes on Ecuador?
Firstly, may this meeting help us renew our Dehonian vocation and our charism. Secondly, may it strengthen our missionary drive. Finally, I remind you that Ecuador remains a mission country: our District needs creative and available Dehonian religious to work here, as well as in Colombia.
