This collection of four articles does not provide a coherent thematic body but is designed to bring us closer to the person and spiritual profile of Fr. Wilhelm Gier (1867-1951) the third Superior General of the Society of the Divine Word (1920-1932). He was a thoroughly spiritual missionary, a man of prayer who grew up during his formation in direct proximity to the Founder of the Society of the Divine Word, Fr. Arnold Janssen. After his death, in 1909, Fr. Gier exerted invaluable spiritual influence on numerous members of the Society as a lecturer and formator, but most predominantly as a novice master for fourteen years.
The first introductory, and most extensive article, is dedicated to the life and work of Fr. Wilhelm Gier based on a biographical research study completed by Fr. Fritz Bornemann (1980). Only a few aspects of Fr. Bornemann’s research are enhanced based on further consultation of the archival sources. The presentation combines two approaches in assessing Gier’s legacy, the first part is chronological and the second part is thematic, dealing with the distinctive aspects of his ad intra and ad extra leadership as the superior general of the Society. These approaches reveal his eminently spiritual relevance for the Society in a very delicate period of transition after the death of the Founder in 1909. His historical significance consisted in the interior consolidation of the young missionary Society based on the Founder’s spiritual legacy; and during a time when the Society experienced an increasing external missionary expansion in Europe and Asia.
The next two articles that follow, discuss the special veneration to the Holy Spirit in the Society as the key spiritual legacy of the Founder, entrusted to the Society. The second article presents the spiritual profile of the Founder’s brother John Janssen as an ardent devotee of the Holy Spirit and the first prolific spiritual writer of the Society. This research focuses on three aspects of his veneration: the failed efforts to have the portrayal of the Holy Spirit in human form approved in Rome; the various initiatives furthering the veneration of the Holy Spirit, and its theological understandings based on John’s literary estate. Although Gier’s name does appear only once in this article, it lays the foundations for a better understanding of the third article on Gier’s contribution to the promotion of this special veneration to the Holy Spirit. Both John Janssen and Wilhelm Gier shared the same passion to inspire members of the Society through spiritual writings, and to strengthen the presence of the Holy Spirit in the implementation of the Society’s missionary charism. Both differed in the exterior expressions of their devotional life, but in appearance, shared the same spirit of simplicity and modesty. They had a deep conviction that it is the Spirit that keeps the Society alive, and that it needs to be carefully cultivated in the ranks of the Society’s members for the benefit of the missionary mandate.
The final contribution in this collection of articles highlights Fr. Gier’s influence ad extra on the foundation of the Society’s presence in the newly established state of Poland. The outset of the Society’s presence in Poland coincided with Fr. Gier’s election as superior general of the Society. It was the first mission founded in Gier’s term as superior general, and the second in all of Eastern Europe. Fr. General Gier promoted the foundation and molded its spirit. He warmly supported the first Superior Fr. Tomasz Puchała and wisely accompanied the pioneering Polish fathers with spiritual advice and admonition during the challenging beginnings. He wanted to ensure their good preparation for this task. He was able to exert positive influence on the Polish confreres due to his warm way of communication and sensitivity to the Polish national context affected by the threatening nationalism. This last study provides an overview of the development of the Polish foundation from its origins during the Founder’s lifetime, and until the advent of communism in Poland; in the aftermath of Second World War, in 1948.
This collection of articles provides an opportunity to get familiar with the remarkable figure of the Society’s most shining light, Fr. Wilhelm Gier. The superior general who contributed greatly to the internationalization of the Society, and strengthening of the Founder’s legacy and his missionary charism. He was truly Homo Deus, a beacon pointing to the primacy of God in the missionary endeavor.
The author of this publication would like to express deep gratitude to Fr. Peter McHugh, SVD, for his critical support, suggestions and professional proofreading of the manuscript.
