151 Years of the Society of the Divine Word: Witness, Listening, and Renewal
As we mark the 151st anniversary of our foundation, this special message of the Superior General invites our global family to look beyond numbers and embrace true spiritual renewal. Explore the deep realities of our world today and join us in a practical commitment to rediscover the transformative power of daily listening to the Word of God.
From Dependence to Solidarity: Reimagining Self-Reliance in SVD Missionary Work
How can the Society of the Divine Word sustain its missionary mission in a rapidly changing world? This reflection invites every SVD to embrace self-reliance, strengthen solidarity, and build a sustainable future together. Inspired by the vision of St. Arnold Janssen, it offers practical insights for renewing missionary commitment through shared responsibility and creative stewardship.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
