Society
Of The Divine Word

Hope is more than a feeling

While hope may evoke positive emotions, today, psychologists largely frame it as a cognitive process or a mindset. It involves intentional planning, perseverance, and proactive behavior.

Characteristics of a HOPE person in the example of St. Arnold Janssen

According to the definition given above one could see from the life of St.Arnold, he was  truly a hope person. He planned intentionally, he perserved in what he planned and he had a proactive behaviour. A man who focused only on what he wanted to do for God as a missionary, and he had a clear vision.

He was a man of synodality even before this word came into its existence.

He was a missionary of synodality As Pope  Francis said, “be missionaries of synodality,” stressing that “today the Church must grow in a synodal approach, listening to everyone, dialoguing with everyone, and discerning in the Spirit what her mission is.” The Pope further encouraged the people  to “be sensitive to the way the Spirit moves: gently, among the simple and in the most distant places.” St. Arnold did the above throughout his life as a Father, Founder and Leader. Only a man of HOPE can live the way of Synodality.

As we celebrate his Feast on the 15^th of January, this Jubilee year let us reflect together as a community and individually, our founder a PILGRIM of HOPE

Who is a Pilgrim: The dictionary provides us with this following meaning:
a person who makes a journey, often a long and difficult one, to a special place for religious reasons. St. Arnold made a difficult journey in his life time for a religious reason so we are today as religious missionaries, as pilgrims sharing the same hope to the less privileged people, communicating with them that God is our Hope.

As  we say in our quarter hour prayer, God our strength and salvation, we hope in you.

As we come together in faith, we reflect on the life and legacy of St. Arnold Janssen, a true “Pilgrim of Hope.” His unwavering commitment to spreading the Gospel and his profound contributions to the Church exemplify the essence of hope that we are called to embody in our own lives. St. Arnold’s journey inspires us to recognize the power of hope in our mission to serve others and to proclaim the Good News of Jesus Christ.

Exposition of St. Arnold Janssen’s Life

St. Arnold Janssen was born on November 5, 1837, in Goch, Germany. From a young age, he exhibited a deep inclination towards the priesthood, which led him to pursue theological studies at the University of Bonn and the Academy of Munster. He was ordained a priest on August 15, 1861, and initially devoted himself to pastoral work and teaching. However, his heart was drawn to the broader mission of the Church, leading him to establish the Society of the Divine Word in 1875, Missionary sisters Servants of the Holy Spirit in 1889, the two congregations dedicated to missionary work across the globe. He established a third Congregation in 1896, Servants of the Holy Spirit of perpetual adoration, to pray constantly for the missionaries who are working across the globe and for the whole world…

His life was marked by a profound commitment to the spiritual needs of people beyond his immediate surroundings. St. Arnold recognized the importance of increasing awareness of the Church’s missionary responsibility, which became a driving force in his life. He tirelessly worked to spread the Word of God, utilizing new forms of communication, particularly the press, to reach a wider audience. His dedication to the mission of Christ and his deep faith were evident throughout his life, making him a beacon of hope for many.

Theological Reflection on Hope

Hope is a central theme in the Christian faith, serving as a guiding light in times of darkness and uncertainty. St. Arnold’s life exemplifies how hope can motivate individuals to undertake great challenges for the sake of the Gospel. The Church teaches that every person possesses inherent dignity, which remains intact even after serious transgressions. This understanding of human dignity underlines the importance of hope, as it assures us that redemption is always possible.

St. Arnold’s unwavering hope in God’s providence enabled him to face numerous obstacles throughout his missionary endeavours. His belief in the transformative power of the Gospel inspired him to reach out to those in need, fostering a spirit of hope in communities that were often marginalized or forgotten. In this way, hope becomes not just a personal virtue but a communal call to action.

Illustration: Stories of Hope from St. Arnold’s Missionary Work

Throughout his missionary work, St. Arnold Janssen encountered countless individuals whose lives were transformed by the message of hope he shared. One notable aspect of his ministry was his use of the press to disseminate information about the missions and to encourage support from the faithful. His publication, “The Little Messenger of the Sacred Heart,” served as a vital tool for raising awareness and fostering a sense of solidarity among Catholics in Germany and beyond.

These stories of hope are not merely historical accounts; they resonate with our own experiences. St. Arnold’s ability to inspire others to embrace hope in their lives is a testament to the profound impact one individual can have when motivated by love and faith. His legacy continues to challenge us to be agents of hope in our own communities.

Application to Daily Life

As we reflect on the life of St. Arnold Janssen, it is essential to consider how we can embody the spirit of hope in our daily lives. Each of us is called to be a “pilgrim of hope,” carrying the light of Christ into the world around us. This means actively seeking opportunities to serve others, to share the Good News, and to uplift those who may be struggling.

The proclamation of the Good News is indeed the first and most significant expression of love for one’s neighbour. By living out this call, individuals can create ripples of hope that extend far beyond their immediate surroundings. St. Arnold’s example encourages us to engage with our communities, to be present to those in need, and to foster an environment where hope can flourish.

In light of St. Arnold’s inspiring journey, we are invited to reflect our own paths of hope. Each of us is encouraged to consider how we can take action in our communities, inspired by the example of St. Arnold. Whether through acts of service, sharing the Gospel, or simply offering a listening ear, every effort contributes to the greater mission of spreading hope.

In conclusion, St. Arnold Janssen stands as a powerful example of what it means to be a “Pilgrim of Hope.” His life reminds us that hope is not passive; it is an active force that compels us to serve, to love, and to proclaim the Good News. May we draw inspiration from his legacy and strive to embody hope in our own lives.

Prayer before the Blessed Sacrament

Jesus, each time I look at the Sacred Host, sanctify my eyes that they may close more and more to all that is merely earthly.

Jesus, each time I look at the Sacred Host, send a ray of divine light into my soul

that I may better know You and myself.

Jesus, each time I look at the Sacred Host,

send a flame of love into my heart to consume everything in it

that is displeasing to You and set it all on fire with Your love.

Now and eternally, may my only desire be to contemplate the infinite beauty

of Your divine countenance, which delights the angels.

Amen.

Prayer by – St. Arnold Janssen – Holy Spirit Adoration Sisters Motherhouse, Steyl, Netherlands

by Sr. Marita Kurian, SSpS