Society
Of The Divine Word

As the dawn broke on this critical day, the air was thick with anticipation for the election of the new Superior General of the Society of the Divine Word. The day commenced with moments of prayer and personal reflection, allowing the 119 voting Capitulars to meditate on the qualities essential for their new leader: prayerful, visionary, understanding, humble, open-minded, and a team player, among others.

The Chapter participants, united in a common prayer and invocation to the Holy Spirit, gathered in the Chapter Hall. A pre-election survey, conducted with strict confidentiality, aimed to identify the likely candidates. As the results emerged, they offered a glimpse of potential leaders, though all members with perpetual vows of over ten years were eligible. This process underscored the unity and shared purpose of the Chapter participants.

In the afternoon session, the atmosphere was charged with a solemn yet controlled excitement as the formal voting commenced. The Capitulars cast their votes with reverence, observing the meticulous counting process. As the numbers climbed on the screen, the anticipation and excitement grew. The climax arrived when one candidate stood just one vote shy of an absolute majority. Moments later, thunderous applause erupted for Father Anselmo Ricardo Ribeiro, SVD from Rio de Janeiro, Brazil, elected the 13th Superior General.

In a poignant moment, outgoing Superior General Paulus Budi Kleden asked Father Anselmo if he would accept the role. His affirmative response was met with joy and gratitude, signaling a new era for the Society. Father Anselmo now steps into the legacy of his predecessors, tasked with guiding the Society’s mission over the next six years. His leadership will aim to address the world’s wounds and cries for healing, following a path of creative and faithful discipleship.

The election culminated in a solemn liturgy of inauguration, where Father Anselmo committed himself before the entire assembly of Capitulars. The ceremony concluded with a mission sending, symbolizing the new Superior General’s journey alongside his predecessor.Also present were the members of the leadership team of the SSpS spearheaded by the Congregational Leader Sister Miriam Altenhofen.

The day was crowned with a Mass officiated by the most senior Capitular, Father John Kirby, who delivered an engaging homily filled with advice for the new leader. The intercultural night hosted by the ASPAC Zone added a festive touch, featuring songs, dances, and local delicacies like the legendary ‘balot,’ bringing joy and hope to the participants and uplifting their spirits for the journey ahead.

As the day ended, the participants went to bed with a sense of fulfillment and unity, echoing the sentiment, “Habemus Superiorem Generalem Anselmo Ricardo Ribeiro.”