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- June 14, 2024
Press Release: SVD to Inaugurate 19th General Chapter in Nemi, Italy
Nemi, Italy – June 10, 2024 – The Society of the Divine Word (SVD) is set to inaugurate its 19th General Chapter on June 16 at the Ad Gentes Center in Nemi, Italy. This event will convene 153 participants from 31 countries, including 120 voting capitulars, two Holy Spirit Missionary Sisters representatives, four lay partners from the four zones, and SVD observers and staff.
The General Chapter will revolve around the theme, “Your Light Must Shine Before Others: Faithful and Creative Disciples in a Wounded World,” guiding participants through reflection and discernment on the Society’s future direction.
The proceedings will commence with an inaugural mass celebrated by Superior General Paulus Budi Kleden SVD, followed by a two-day recollection period, establishing a spiritual foundation for the month-long event.
Over the next four weeks, participants will deeply reflect on life within the Society, examining its richness, diversity, and areas of vulnerability. Key themes include “Embracing a Wounded World and Our Reality,” “Your Light Must Shine,” and “Called to Become Faithful and Creative Disciples.” These discussions will shape the discernment process on how the Society is called to live out its mission in the coming years.
A highlight of the General Chapter will be a Papal Audience with Pope Francis on June 28 at Sala Clementina. The Pope will address the capitulars, followed by a response from Superior General Paulus Budi Kleden.
The Chapter will also include the election of the new General Superior who will replace Fr. Budi Kleden, the archbishop-elect of the Archdiocese of Ende (Indonesia), the election of the other members of the General Council, and the drafting of a chapter statement that will outline the Society’s mission roadmap for the next six years.
The Society of the Divine Word, founded by Saint Arnold Janssen in 1875 in Steyl, Holland, is a global congregation of priests and brothers known as Divine Word Missionaries. The members of the congregation, almost 6000 members present on five continents, are actively engaged in various ministries across all continents, including pastoral work, education, biblical apostolate, communication, justice, peace and integrity of creation, and other specialised ministries.
For further information, please contact:
Modeste Munimi, SVD
General Communications Coordinator
Email: communications@svdcuria.org
Phone: (+39) 351 029 545
Websites: svdcuria.org
www.witword.org
