SVD
Generalate

Bay St. Louis, September 8, 2023: Paulus Budi Kleden, the Superior General of the Society of the Divine Word, actively participated in the momentous celebration of the 100th-year anniversary of Saint Augustine Seminary in Bay St. Louis. During the anniversary mass, Father Kleden joined a select group of bishops, all of whom were former students of this historical seminary. Notably, Saint Augustine Seminary was a pioneer in admitting black candidates, overcoming opposition, including resistance from the white clergy. Father Kleden commended this significant commitment by the SVD, acknowledging its transformative impact on the vocations to priesthood and religious life among black candidates.