Reflecting on the Past: Foundations of Financial Awareness
In 1993, then Superior General Fr. Henry Barlage, SVD, convened a gathering of SVD Provincial and Regional Treasurers. Over fifty (50) SVD confreres and a few SSpS sisters attended. Fr. Barlage and his Council saw the need “to address the financial implications of the changed situation in our mission work and the demands this place on us as treasurers” (Following the Word 5, 09/1994).

The participants acknowledged the “urgent need for Provinces to become self-reliant […] but we believe that with increased local support, regular donations, and income from investments on the one hand, and with a simple lifestyle on the other, funding a province’s ordinary livelihood could be secured” (Following the Word 5, 09/1994). This concern was echoed by the capitulars of the 14th General Chapter and the succeeding Chapters, which underscored the same urgency for the self-reliance of Provinces and Regions.

At the turn of the millennium, the SVD 16th General Chapter placed the discussion within the broader context of mission, invoking the early Christian community (Acts 4:34–35) as a model. The capitulars reiterated that financial stewardship must respond to declining donations and the growing realities of poverty and injustice, while also celebrating the enduring dedication and commitment of SVD missionaries. Even after five General Chapters, this challenge remains and is becoming even more urgent today. The General Leadership Team invites all SVDs to continue living creatively and faithfully as disciples of the Divine Word and as sons of our Founder and Leader, Arnold Janssen.

Missionary Realities: Then and Now
Our missionary endeavors continue within a complex and ever-changing world. Today we face persistent socio-political, economic, cultural, and environmental challenges, including ongoing conflicts in the Middle East. At the same time, we are more interconnected than ever, with digital communication opening new avenues for missionary renewal.

One particularly disheartening challenge is the decline in benefactors and donations. The “widow’s mite” is gradually becoming scarce. This reality widens the gap between the funds available and the needs of our missions. Yet within this challenge lies an opportunity: to renew and reimagine how our resources, skills, and solidarity can sustain our missionary work in the post-modern world.

The Road to Self-Reliance: A Paradigm Shift
The road ahead may sometimes appear bleak and uncertain. Like the prophet Elijah, we may grow weary and fearful. Yet inspiration comes when we allow the gentle breeze to guide us into reflection while resting beneath the juniper tree. In such moments we recall our Founder’s own journey.

More than 150 years ago, Father Arnold began the Mission House along the Meuse River through the generosity of others, sustained by great faith and deep conviction. His brother Juniper and the lay collaborator Josef Althoff traveled to raise funds and even begged for provisions. Meanwhile, the Sisters of Divine Providence and several women tended animals and farms, ensuring that the Mission House could survive and grow.

The road toward the self-reliance of every Province, Region, and Mission (PRM) begins with a paradigm shift. It requires moving beyond dependence on external aid and embracing our collective strength as SVD missionaries—our numbers, talents, time, and commitment to the mission entrusted to us. Father Arnold’s achievements in socio-economic and political turmoil remain remarkable. He sustained flourishing seminaries, sent missionaries throughout the world, and built mission houses through the collaboration of dedicated supporters and committed missionaries.

These achievements were not only the result of Father Arnold’s leadership but also of the collective effort of every member of the community.

Father Arnold surrounded himself with committed men and women who shared his vision—not only for self-reliance but also for sustainability. He also ensured that the talents of every member were recognized, skills were developed, and character was formed. From Fr. Nicolas Blum, a gifted administrator who managed accounts and properties, to the lay Brothers who worked as tailors, bakers, carpenters, and printers, every role contributed to a shared mission and vision. This model reminds us that our greatest strength lies in solidarity, skill, and the commitment to make the best use of what we have.

Building a Culture of Independence and Solidarity
After establishing the Mission in Steyl, Father Arnold built a retreat house for clergy and laity despite limited financial resources. Its success revitalized the Catholic faithful in Germany and generated funds that helped support missionary work worldwide.

Self-reliance need not always be grand or extraordinary. Even a modest farm tended by SVDs—producing vegetables, dairy products, or livestock—can nurture a deeper sense of ownership and belonging while standing in contrast to the growing culture of consumerism.

For PRMs, self-reliance is closely linked with independence: local leadership empowered to manage its own affairs responsibly. Yet independence is not the goal. Rather, it becomes the foundation for solidarity, enabling PRMs to support one another and sustain programs of self-reliance. In this way, self-reliance becomes the building block for an SVD culture of shared responsibility, interdependence, and sustainability.

Beyond Self-Reliance: Toward Interdependence and Sustainability
In today’s volatile world, PRMs must navigate rapid socio-economic and political changes. Cultivating self-reliance is therefore a gradual and consistent process. It is supported by the Generalate and the Mission Offices, which provide tools, resources, and guidance for developing projects that are both autonomous and sustainable.

Father Arnold’s example of establishing the Mission Press illustrates this principle. By taking calculated risks, he created a resource that served mission animation, evangelization, and vocation promotion while also helping sustain the growing needs of seminaries in Germany, Austria, and beyond. Sustainability requires vision, creativity, and the willingness to invest in systems that endure beyond immediate needs.

Toward a Resilient Future: Lessons from Father Arnold
In conclusion, the General Leadership would like to emphasize that the road to self-reliance is not only the work of the PRM Leadership. It is our call as SVDs.

Indeed, true self-reliance goes beyond financial independence. It leads to deeper interdependence within the worldwide SVD mission. It fosters a culture that recognizes each confrere’s talents and skills as essential building blocks for capable and empowered missionary communities. It nurtures a “we can” spirit that inspires confidence and encourages others to believe that they too can contribute. Furthermore, we wish to put forth the most important aspect of the SVD finances: As the reality of decline of our benefactors and donors confronts us with every single distribution cycle, we are reminded that it is our time to work together. This is the call for each of us now and “we can”!

Our hope is that we continue moving from dependence to interdependence, from mere self-reliance toward sustainable financial practices in mission. Many PRMs have been self-reliant for many decades, and it is essential to find other ways to remain sustainable for the benefit of our Society. Notwithstanding, many PRMs have been receiving substantial support for equally long time. Now, it is time to put our heads together and find ways to be self-reliant.

Such a movement enables us to share knowledge, networks, and resources more effectively. In doing so, we SVDs build a resilient system capable of withstanding challenges while creating a missionary enterprise that not only endures but flourishes—a legacy that our Founder, Father Arnold, has bequeathed to us.

The Generalate Leadership Team.