SVD
Generalate

After my first visits as part of the SVD Central Administration, a thought came to me that has never left me and returned again and again during our Jubilee Year: the world is a much richer place because of religious congregations like the SVDs and the entire Arnoldus family. And for that, we can be truly grateful.

People around the world have found unique ways to express their gratitude. “The SVDs have been with us for many decades,” lay leaders told me in different languages. “They have educated us, our children, and our youth. They have helped us in countless ways and have shared in our sufferings and our joys.” Being part of God’s mission has been and continues to be a genuine blessing for thousands of people. “You were there for us and one with us when we needed you most,” a group of people expressed their gratitude to confreres during a memorial celebration after a disastrous hurricane.

During a Jubilee Celebration, a tribal leader reminded me: “Don’t just talk about the achievements of your missionaries, which are numerous indeed—that’s what we can see with our eyes. Instead, tell us about the GREAT SPIRIT that enables your missionaries to do what they are doing.” Inspired and guided by the Spirit of God, generations of missionaries have accomplished extraordinary things. It is God’s mission that we are invited to share. Learning from our founder, Arnold Janssen, we can move forward with deep faith and trust in the guidance of the Spirit of God on a way characterized by simplicity and perseverance.

“Let us ask the Lord for the grace not to hesitate when the Spirit calls us to take a step forward” (GE 139), as we, together with others, become pilgrims of hope, witnessing to the light from everywhere for everyone, remaining close to God and His people in a wounded world.