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.
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.
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).
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.
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.
A Time of Grace: The General Visitation to the AFRAM Zone
A successful and comprehensive General Visitation (GV) to the AFRAM Zone concluded on November 30, 2025. This intensive sexennial exercise, which began on 28 July 2025, served as a profound time of grace and a vital expression of the Society’s communion. The Visitation reflected the Generalate’s deep commitment to the personal, communal, and missionary well-being of nearly 700 SVD members in the Zone, including those in the initial formation.
Verbo Divino Global Education: A “New” SVD Mission Priority
The XIX SVD General Chapter 2024 formally approved a Recommendation that the education ministry be recognized as a new priority among our SVD missionary apostolates worldwide. For a good number of provinces, in fact, education is already a well-established priority. What’s “new” is the realization that the time has come for a more comprehensive SVD approach to education ministry, one that provides for the articulation of common orientations, contextualized missiological frameworks, and institutional collaborative endeavors across PRMs worldwide.
The Mission and Integrity of Creation
We have returned to normal. On September 8, we concluded the Jubilee Year. What inspiration and motivation do we carry forward for our mission? How can we bear witness to the Light as faithful and creative disciples in a wounded world shaken by multiple crises, including the worsening ecological crisis?
Caring for creation is part of our mission and heritage.
Faith Remembered, Future Embraced: The Lessons of the Jubilee
As we are closing our sesquicentennial Jubilee, we are invited to reflect once more on this milestone of our history. Our “150th Anniversary Prayer”, translated into many languages, has been used in all our PRMs since we started our Jubilee in September 2024 with the opening Eucharistic celebration in Steyl.
SVD Formation Today: Nurturing Missionaries for a Prophetic Calling
We are celebrating the 150th anniversary of our Society with the theme, “Witnessing to the Light; from everywhere for everyone,” thanking God for His blessings, renewing our commitment to Missio Dei, and deepening our formation through creative, faithful service inspired by St. Arnold Janssen.
