SVDlogo_white

SVD
Generalate
login

SVD Generalate News and Articles

Finding Renewal in Mission: The Gift of Rest and Recreation
In the Northern Hemisphere, July and August are summer months when schools and universities close for extended holidays, and many adults take time for vacation. In Rome, the tradition of Ferragosto marks a period when life slows down considerably around August 15. Because of the intense heat, many Romans leave the city for a few days of rest, often at the seaside, while visitors continue exploring the Eternal City under the summer sun.
15/07/2026
Where Mission Begins: The Gift of Being Close (General Visitation to the CAM Region)
"They are different."
It was not a prepared speech or an official evaluation. It was the spontaneous response of lay collaborators when Fr. José Nicolás Espinosa, SVD, asked them a simple question during the General Visitation to the CAM Region: What distinguishes the Divine Word Missionaries from diocesan clergy?
13/07/2026
The Word Made Close and Present (General Visitation to Mexico-Cuba Province)
As I look back on the General Visitation to Mexico–Cuba Province, two conversations continue to resonate in my heart.
The first took place in Cuba. At the conclusion of our meeting, the Archbishop of Havana looked at us and simply said, “The most precious contribution of the SVD in Cuba is your presence.” The second came from Mexico. During a dialogue with lay collaborators, I asked what distinguished the SVD from diocesan clergy. To my surprise, the answers came almost in unison: “Your closeness to the people.”
09/07/2026
Vision, Formation, and Hope: New PRM Leaders Reflect on the Future of Mission
As the two-week Workshop for the New Provincial, Regional, and Mission Superiors (PRM) entered its final phase, the sessions of July 1 and 2 focused on the theme "Vision and Mission," inviting participants to reflect on the deeper foundations of missionary leadership. The two days shifted attention from governance and administration to the long-term formation of missionaries, the educational apostolate, the vocation of SVD Brothers, first missionary assignments, and the implementation of the Generalate Action Plan. Through presentations, dialogue, and zonal group discussions, the new PRM leaders together with the Generalate Leadership Team discerned how they can lead their PRMs with hope, strategic vision, and fidelity to the Society's missionary charism.
02/07/2026
From Discernment to Identity: New SVD Superiors Chart a Missionary Future
Centro Ad Gentes, Nemi — Second Week of the Workshop for New SVD Superiors, June 29–30, 2026
Halfway through the Workshop for New SVD Province, Region, and Mission Superiors (PRMs), the gathering at Centro Ad Gentes turned from a demanding question about the Congregation's future to the concrete pillars that must ground it. Across a keynote from the Superior General, a session on synodal leadership, and four thematic presentations on mission identity, the newly appointed Superiors were given both a vision of where SVD is heading and a working language for leading their Provinces, Regions, and Missions there.
01/07/2026
Witnessing to the Light: Reflections on My General Visitation to the ITA Province
My recent General Visitation to the ITA Province, carried out from 18 February to 12 March 2026, unfolded under the theme “Witnessing to the Light: Faithful, Creative and Compassionate Disciples in Europa.” The experience offered a profound encounter with the missionary realities of a province that spans two countries, Italy and Albania—and embraces three languages: Italian, German, and Albanian. This diversity shapes a pastoral environment that is both complex and full of opportunity.
30/06/2026
New SVD Leaders Embrace Shared Responsibility for the Missio Dei
As the Workshop for New PRM Leaders continues at the Centro Ad Gentes in Nemi, Italy, from June 21 to July 4, 2026, the sessions held on June 26–27 focused on the theme “Shared Responsibility for the Missio Dei.” Through presentations on safeguarding, general visitations, elections, chapters and assemblies, and financial stewardship, participants deepened their understanding of missionary leadership as a ministry of accountability, discernment, collaboration, and shared responsibility in service of God's mission.
29/06/2026
New SVD Leaders Explore Synodal Transformation and Intercultural Leadership
NEMI, Italy — June 24, 2026 – Thirty-five newly elected Provincial, Regional, and Mission (PRM) Superiors gathered at the Workshop for New PRM Leaders continued their formation journey by reflecting on two key dimensions of contemporary missionary leadership: guiding communities through authentic transformation and fostering intercultural communities as a living expression of mission.
26/06/2026
New PRM Superiors Reflect on the Foundations of SVD Leadership
Thirty-five newly elected Provincial, Regional, and Mission (PRM) Superiors from Africa, Asia-Pacific, Europe, and the Americas gathered at the Centro Ad Gentes in Nemi, Italy, from June 21 to July 5, 2026, for the Workshop for New PRM Leaders. The participants represented the four SVD Zones—AFRAM, ASPAC, EUROPA, and PANAM—and were joined by members of the General Council, Generalate officials, zone coordinators, resource persons, translators, and support staff, bringing the total number of participants to sixty-nine. The workshop was organized by the Generalate to assist newly elected leaders in their ministry of service and governance within the Society of the Divine Word.
24/06/2026
Towards a Synodal Leadership
You are aware that in the complex context of the woundedness of the world and of our own, the concept of Synodal Leadership is gaining currency. In this conceptual framework of leadership, there is a fundamental functional shift from governance to journeying together. It calls us to move away from a ‘directive mode’ of leadership to delve deep into a ‘discernment process’ in arriving at the objectives of animating communities.
28/05/2026
Mission Horizons 3
Dear confrere,
May the peace of Christ be with you!
Within a few weeks, we will hold the formation workshop for new superiors at the Ad Gentes Center in Nemi. This formation is intended for those who have recently been elected to leadership positions in our provinces, regions, and missions (PRMs).
20/05/2026
GER Province Shows the Way: Sharing Responsibilities and Resources in the Spirit of Synodality and Solidarity
If the theme of “sustainability and collaboration in our common mission” is increasingly emphasized today, it should also be recognized as an affirmation of the important role and active participation of lay mission partners, coworkers, and collaborators in the Missio Dei. The Germany Province (GER) stands out as a meaningful example of this positive development.
15/05/2026
Healing Ministries Highlighted during the General Visitation in the Germany Province
The General Visitation offers an opportunity to reconnect the members of a province with the documents of the recent General Chapter. This reconnection is not necessarily brought about only by the visitator; it can also emerge from the impressions and concrete experiences encountered during the visitation itself.
13/05/2026
From Steam Presses to Servers: Is Your Digital Light Charging?
In 1875, our founder, St. Arnold Janssen, stood before a newly built steam-powered printing press in Steyl. To many, it was a risky and costly machine of iron and ink. But Arnold saw more: a consecrated instrument for the Divine Word. He understood that to be a missionary is, by its very nature, to be a communicator. Rather than resisting the emerging technology of his time, he embraced it—refining and directing it to bridge the Gospel with the world. For him, the Word deserved the best means available to reach the ends of the earth.
09/05/2026
“For they did not yet understand the scripture that he had to rise from the dead.” (Jn 20:9)
Homily of the Father General for Easter
Collegio del Verbo Divino - Rome
05/04/2026
The Motto of the Generalate Administration
In February 2025, the current Generalate Administration shared through Arnoldus Nota its motu proprio, Called to Become Faithful and Creative Disciples of the Light in a Wounded World. This is the result of a long process of shared discernment that culminated in the celebration of the XIX General Chapter. In light of the Easter event, we wish to invite you to reflectively reconsider this formulation.
03/04/2026
Mission Horizons 2
Dear confrere, peace of Christ be with you!
This greeting, which we so often repeat in our liturgies, today takes on a deeper meaning—a desire for true peace, built on respect and fraternity, justice and truth. It is a gift of the Risen Lord, and it is more necessary than ever, especially at a time when yet another fragment of a great war is placed before the stage of history.
24/03/2026
Servant Leadership (St. Joseph Model)
A dispute arose among them as to which one of them was to be regarded as the greatest. Jesus said, "...the greatest among you must become like the least, and the leader like one who serves... I am among you as one who serves." (Lk 22:24, 26, 27b).
01/03/2026
Peace and Reconciliation
Peace and reconciliation are not mere ideals; they are foundational pillars for human flourishing, community building, co-operative living and spiritual growth. In a world often torn by conflict, misunderstanding, and injustice, the pursuit of peace and reconciliation becomes both urgent, purposeful and transformative. For the SVD, as highlighted in the 19th General Chapter, the commitment to peace is not just a social responsibility but a communitarian, spiritual and evangelical mission rooted in the life and teachings of Jesus Christ.
03/02/2026
Mission Horizons
As we begin this new year, I would like to address each of you personally. It is now a year and a half since we began our leadership service in our beloved Society. During this time, we had the privilege of celebrating a Jubilee Year to mark the 150th anniversary of the foundation of our congregation. I believe that now is an appropriate time for us to share and reflect on some insights that could help us to grow as individuals, as a community and, above all, as a religious and missionary congregation. To this end, I am using the media channels of the Generalate to facilitate regular and direct communication, through which I can share ideas and experiences.
23/01/2026
SVD Leadership Gathers in Rome for Caucus: “A Witness of Communion in Service to Mission”
ROME – The Generalate House of the Society of the Divine Word (SVD) served as the venue for the Third SVD Caucus, held from January 15 to 21, 2026.
23/01/2026
The Seventh Sunday of the Word of God: A Celebration at the Heart of the SVD Life and Mission
In 2026 the Sunday of the Word of God reaches its seventh observance, a biblically symbolic milestone of fullness and maturity. Widely embraced across the Church, it holds particular significance for Divine Word Missionaries, calling us to renew our reflection on the central place of Scripture in our vocation.
17/01/2026
Zambia Mission: A Small Mission with a Significant Contribution
The Zambia Mission (ZAM) may be young in age, but it is quite energetic, visible and vibrant in its missionary activities. ZAM’s twenty-four (24) confreres of nine (9) nationalities are committed to pastoral and formation ministries in the three SVD Districts of South, Central and North of the country.
16/01/2026
Today, the Savior is born. The waiting is over, and hope is renewed.
Homily of the Father General for Christmas Vigil
Collegio del Verbo Divino - Rome
25/12/2025
Christmas 2025: Celebrating 150 Years of Mission, Renewing Hope for a World Awaiting Redemption
With the celebration of Christmas, the year 2025 also comes to an end. It has been a historic year for our missionary family, as we celebrated the 150th anniversary of the missionary movement begun by Saint Arnold Janssen, which led to the founding of three religious congregations and to the involvement of countless lay people in missionary work.
23/12/2025
SVDlogo_black
C L O S E