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SVD
Generalate

Message from Archbishop Paulus Budi Kleden, SVD, of the Archdiocese of Ende, Indonesia, and former Superior General of the Society of the Divine Word, on the occasion of its 150th anniversary

Dear Fr. Anselmo,

I join you and all the confreres in raising up our hearts to praise the goodness of the Lord who has inspired and guided Saint Arnold, our Founder, to start our Congregation 150 years ago. Filled with gratitude we look back on what that small beginning in Steyl has brought until now: a missionary congregation with thousands of members, partners ready to share the mission, services rendered to so many people in many countries, …

The Society has made a difference in the lives of people, in the Church and in the world. It is really a shining light for this world, that the Society has brought us all from different nationalities to live and work together, giving witness to the unity in diversity of the Church and reflecting the richness of the Triune God.

The history of our archdiocese of Ende as well as all the dioceses in Bali and Nusa Tenggara in Indonesia, cannot be separated from the missionary presence and dedication of the missionaries of the Divine Word since 1914. They started building up Christian communities, spreading the Good News in the remote places, promoting education, fostering the economic wealth of people, and forming the locals to be religious and priests. 

Therefore, in the name of our Archdiocese and with the bishops of all the dioceses in Bali Nusa Tenggara, I would like to congratulate you and all the confreres on this occasion of 150th anniversary of our beloved congregation. I also want to thank the SVD for all their presence and services. May the good Lord continue to bless all the SVDs, so that their light can shine before others. 

Ende, 15th of August 2025

Fr. Paulus Budi Kleden, SVD

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