- svd-generalate
- / Nomination /
- November 16, 2024
Appointments of Officials and Coordinators of the General Administration for the 2024-2030 Sexenium
Strengthening Leadership at the Generalate
The leadership of the Society of the Divine Word has taken an important step toward building a stronger and more cohesive team with the recent appointments of officials and coordinators for the General Administration for the 2024-2030 sexenium. These appointments reflect the priorities set by the General Chapter and emphasize the importance of a collaborative vision to address the challenges of our mission in a rapidly changing world.
A Larger, More Diverse Team
To strengthen central leadership, the General Council has appointed new officials and coordinators, reaffirming its commitment to working in synergy to meet the needs of the Church and the world. Notably, the Council has also created the new position of Assistant for Education, responding directly to the concerns raised in the last General Chapter regarding integral and contextualized formation in the SVD mission.
Changes in Residence: A New Paradigm
With the exception of the Assistant for the Formation of Brothers and the Assistant for Education, all newly appointed officials will reside in Rome. This marks a significant shift in the way these key offices will operate during the 2024-2030 sexenium. This hybrid model reflects both the need for a physical presence at the Generalate and the opportunity for greater global outreach from local contexts.
The Office of Spirituality: A New Approach
In alignment with the General Chapter’s directives, the Office of Spirituality will no longer operate in its previous form. This change does not diminish the importance of spirituality within our mission; rather, it signifies a deeper integration of spirituality across all dimensions of our work, highlighting the holistic missionary character of our Congregation. As announced in a recent circular letter, the General Council has decided that the coordination of activities related to spiritual animation and the heritage of the congregations founded by Arnold Janssen will now fall under the Arnold Janssen Spirituality Network (AJSN). The AJSN is composed of an International Core Team (ICT) of SSpS and SVD members.
Brief Profiles of the Appointees:
General Secretary
Fr. Maxwell Wullar (Ghana)
He joined the SVD in 2004. He studied languages and theology in Kinshasa before moving to Chile for his OTP in 2009. Returning to Kinshasa in 2011, he completed theology and was assigned to Chile. In 2018, he came to the General House-Divine Word College in Rome to assume the position of Secretary for English Language, a role he continues to perform diligently.
General Procurator
Fr. Peter Dikoš (Slovakia)
A missionary in Papua New Guinea, he served as parish priest, Dean of Studies, and Rector of the Good Shepherd Seminary in Fatima (PNG), also held the role of Vice Provincial. He earned a doctorate in Canon Law from Saint Paul University in Ottawa. Since 2013, he has served as Procurator General of the Society of the Divine Word in Rome, a position he will hold until 2030.
General Treasurer
Fr. Dariusz Garbaciak (Poland)
During his theological studies, he participated in the OTP program in Papua New Guinea. An expert in economics with an MBA from the United States, he served as Provincial Treasurer of the USC Province and has been General Treasurer of the Society since 2019.
General Mission Secretary
Fr. Marcelo E. Cattáneo (Argentina)
A missionary since 1989, he has directed biblical and pastoral projects and has served as District Superior, Vice-Provincial, Zonal Coordinator and, at the time of his appointment, Provincial of ARS.
General Secretary for Formation and Education
Fr. Augustine Pushpa Anbu (India)
Active in formation, education, and publications since 1998, his term as General Secretary for Formation and Education, which began in 2019, has been extended through 2030.
Assistant General Secretary for Education
Fr. John Anthony Szukalski (USA)
With a career in pastoral and educational ministry since 1992, he was appointed Assistant General Secretary for Education (2024–2030). His term begins in February 2025.
Assistant General Secretary for Brother Formation
Bro. Raúl Acosta (Argentina)
A missionary Brother with experience in formation and administration. At the time of his nomination, he was a Zonal Coordinator for the Brothers in PANAM. His term of office commences in February 2025.
General Coordinator for JPIC
Fr. Richard Quadros (India)
He is recognized for his commitment to justice, peace, and the care of creation. He was Vice-Provincial of the INM at the time of his appointment. The beginning of his term of office is February 2025.
General Coordinator for Communications
Fr. Kasmir Nema (Indonesia)
A communications expert with a doctorate in development communication. After his theological studies in Australia, he was assigned to TLS, where he was, among other things, the coordinator of communications for the Region and the ASPAC Zone. His term of office will begin in February 2025.
General Coordinator of the Biblical Apostolate
Fr. Wojciech Szypuła (Poland)
He studied theology in Chicago and has missionary experience in southern Africa. He was coordinator of the Biblical Apostolate for many years, a teacher and vice dean at Tangaza University College, and holds an S.T.D. in Biblical Theology. He was re-appointed as the General Coordinator for the Biblical Apostolate.
A Decisive Step Towards the Future
These changes not only enhance the capabilities of the Generalate but also emphasize the importance of teamwork, flexibility, and active listening to the missionary bases. The renewed structure allows for a more agile and creative response to the challenges of our time, staying steadfast in our mission to proclaim the Good News to all nations.
In their diversity and depth, these appointments testify to our commitment to collaborative leadership in service to the mission.
GMD
