SVD
Generalate

Whether in religious or secular contexts, a jubilee denotes a period of reflection, gratitude, and looking forward to the future. The concept of jubilee in the church has its roots in the Bible, where a jubilee year, occurring every 50 years, was a time when debts were forgiven, enslaved people were freed, and the land was given back to the original owner (see Lev 25). The church has celebrated the jubilees primarily through religious and social activities. A jubilee represents a profound time of spiritual renewal, forgiveness, and mercy, and at the same time, an occasion to restore justice in the church and the world.

This coming year, beginning on September 8, 2024, the Society of the Divine Word is immensely joyful to celebrate the 150^th Anniversary of its Foundation. This jubilee celebration calls for a reflection on our Society in the past years, expressing gratitude to all those who have journeyed with us and looking towards the future and what transformation we can bring in this wounded and postmodern world.

The Past Jubilees of the Society

The celebration of the Society’s Silver Jubilee (1875-1900) was held on September 8, 1900, at Steyl. The solemn Pontifical Mass was presided over by Bishop Drehmanns of Roermond. Fr. Arnold Janssen, in his sermon, noted: “These were years of hard work, countless worries, and much suffering. But why speak about suffering when the blessing of God follows in its wake.” The bishop noted: “Here is the finger of God; the power of God is at work here.” The publication of the Jubilee Book (first history of the Society) marked the celebration – The Mission Society of Steyl: A Portrait of the First Twenty-five Years, edited by Fr. Hermann auf der Heide (original in German). 

The celebrations for the 50^th Anniversary of the Society’s Foundation was held in Steyl from September 1 to 13, 1925. On this occasion, Fr. Hermann Fischer edited the missiological festive symposium.

On the occasion of the 75^th Anniversary, there was a publication of Jubilee Book: 75 Years in the Service of the Divine Word. Commemorative book for the 75^th Anniversary of the Steyler Missionary Work, 1875-1950 (original in German). On this occasion, a new college was inaugurated in Santiago: Colegio Verbo Divino. To mark this occasion as well, some Chinese missionaries conducted ethnological research and published a book: Contribution to the Folklore of Cbinghai.

The 100^th Anniversary of the Foundation of the Society coincided with the beatification of the Founder and Fr. Joseph Freinademetz on October 19, 1975. There were a lot of festivities in Rome. The main celebration of the jubilee was held in Steyl. On September 8, Cardinal Alfrink, Archbishop of Utrecht, was the principal celebrant of a Mass in the Upper Church. In various parts of the world, secular and liturgical celebrations, sermons, and speeches were held; articles were published in newspapers and magazines; radio and television programs were produced; commemorative publications and other books and brochures were published.

The 125th year commemoration of the Foundation of our Society was held simultaneously in Steyl and Rome on September 8, followed by activities marking the same event in St. Augustin two days later. Fr. Henry Barlage, Superior General, presided at the liturgical celebration and gave the sermon at the Collegio del Verbo Divino, Rome. At Sankt Augustine, a unique “Play of Lights” was inaugurated to celebrate the 125^th anniversary of the Society. More celebrations, publications, magazines, and television programs marked this occasion worldwide. 

150 Years – Theme and Celebrations

The beginning of our Society’s Sesquicentennial celebration will be at Steyl, with the Eucharist celebration on September 8, 2024. The Society has grown and is the sixth major male religious congregation in the Church. In 2024, we work in 79 countries, with 59 PRMs (+ Rome Generalate) and have 5754 members. Most members are involved in parish ministry, education apostolate, other ministries, and formation. Indeed, we have achieved a lot, but there is still more to be accomplished.

The theme of the jubilee is “Witnessing to the Light: From Everywhere for Everyone.” The Light is the Light of Christ, the Incarnate Word (Jn 1:1-18), who has given us through his life, death, and resurrection, the precious gifts of the forgiveness of sins, the fullness of life,  and eternal life—through his outpouring of compassionate love, revealed to us the immense love and mercy of the Father. To guide, inspire, and accompany us, the Holy Spirit was sent so that we would ever grow in the love relationship with the Triune God, Father, Son, and the Spirit.

Thus, what lies before us as Divine Word missionaries is to know the Word, grow with the Word, and live with the Word, and this can be manifested only through our witnessing life—missionary commitment, engagement through the practice of prophetic dialogue in mission, manifesting our dedication and surrender through our intercultural religious missionary life. This denotes a lifestyle that is authentic, faithful, and genuine, as well as our excellent, admirable, and effective missionary activities that transform people’s lives. By this, we answer the call of Jesus, “Let your light shine before others, that they may see your good deeds and glorify your Father in heaven.” (Mt 5:16). To paraphrase our Constitutions, “His light is our light; his mission is our mission” (see Prologue).

The expression “From Everywhere for Everyone” looks simple and familiar but it has profound meaning. Let our witnessing to the Light (Christ) be to the light that shines “everywhere,” that is in every person. It is a Light that is not only with Christians, not only in the Church, but a Light whose rays are present in every religion, people, and culture (see Vatican II, NA 2). This Light is found in the universe in all religions, peoples, and cultures. We are sent to recognize and share this Light among all the peoples of the world. Christ’s Light shines in all people, and for all people. This is our witness.

Thus, our mission is to share what we have and receive what others have of this Light shining with his immense power. This is the challenge and the way to recognize and dialogue with others. The synodal approach becomes a rich way to engage in mission as we face the future. Witnessing to the Light is not just our work as Christians or SVDs; we are called to witness together with others. It is transforming mission, one that brings the fullness of life and the love of God to all the world.

The Superior General has sent circular letters to the PRMs on the jubilee theme, a copy of the jubilee logo and suggestions on how we can celebrate this important event in our Society. We invite everyone to reflect on the sources of our identity as Divine Word Missionaries, our charism, and the legacy of the Founder. Every PRM is encouraged to celebrate meaningfully so that this great event can be inspiring, exciting, impressive, and impactful for the confreres and for the people among whom we work. As a mission congregation, we foresee that during this celebration, mission takes center stage, and at the same time, social, cultural, and other activities will add life to the celebration.

Future – Make a Difference

The jubilee celebration is not only to make visible the contributions and achievements of the Society. It is also an occasion to set our focus on the future. Let us look at the future and ask what is needed in our church and our world. We have the resources—personnel, institutions, finances, and SVD lay associates/partners—to make a difference. How can we make a difference as the Society of the Divine Word? And how shall we make a difference in a personal way? What should be our future activities as a PRM, together with SVD lay associates/partners and collaborators?

The world today is not searching for magicians, record-breakers, or supersonic activists. What it truly needs are dedicated missionaries—individuals like us—committed to transforming lives. Our mission is to make God’s love tangible, to bring hope and happiness among people’s lives, to offer spiritual nourishment, and to stand by those in their darkest moments. We are called to alleviate their suffering, to replace despair with peace, and sorrow with joy.

This mission drives us to continually grow, to be active, and to strive for excellence as relevant, and impactful missionaries. For over 150 years, our actions have spoken louder than words, and now, more than ever, we must continue to make a difference. Let us rise to this call, united in our purpose, ready to shape the future for the better.

Fr. Anselmo Ribeiro, SVD
and the Leadership Team