SVD
Generalate

The Society of the Divine Word is celebrating the 150th anniversary of its foundation. In an interview with Vatican Radio, the Superior General, Fr. Anselmo Ribeiro, reflected on the historical milestones, the Societies’s charism and mission, and the current challenges of missionary work.

Inspired Origins and Global Growth

Founded in 1875 during the religious persecution of the “Kulturkampf,” the Society was born with the purpose of sending missionaries around the world. Arnold Janssen moved to Holland and founded an institute that quickly grew to include priests, brothers, and dedicated lay people. He also founded the women’s congregations of the Servants of the Holy Spirit and the Servants of the Holy Spirit of Perpetual Adoration, promoting an integral mission based on action and prayer.

Currently, the Society has 5,754 members in 79 countries and 59 provinces, reflecting their global impact. However, Fr. Ribeiro emphasized that “it is never enough” in the face of the world’s needs.

Vocations: Challenges and Hopes

The decline in vocations in Europe and Latin America is a concern for the Society. On the other hand, there has been a significant increase in Africa and Asia, especially in countries such as Ghana, Vietnam, India, and Indonesia. Fr. Ribeiro emphasized that young people today face challenges of maturity and long-term commitment, but many still feel called to leave their homes to bring the Gospel to other continents.

The intercultural character of the Society remains its distinctive feature: “Where there are four SVDs, there are at least three nationalities,” the interviewee pointed out, emphasizing the value of dialogue and global coexistence.

The SVD Charism Today

The mission of the SVD, in faithfulness to its roots, remains the proclamation of the Gospel, where it is not yet known or where it needs to be revitalized. This mission is carried out by intercultural communities, promoting values such as justice, peace, and the integrity of creation. They also focus on areas such as biblical apostolate, media, and missionary animation. Fr. Ribeiro summarized: “Our being and our doing flow through proclaiming the Gospel, walking in the community, and acting in specific areas of transformation.”

Jubilee Celebrations

The Jubilee Year includes several significant activities:

• Celebrations at the Motherhouse in Steyl, Netherlands.
• Blessing of images of the Virgin Mary representing diverse cultures, Rome.
• Publication of a book on the history and present of the Society, Rome.
• Conference on the Mission of God, in collaboration with the Gregorian University, Rome.
• Closing of the Jubilee on September 8, 2025, with a Mass in Rome.

Hope and the Future

Father Ribeiro stressed the importance of being “seekers of new paths of hope” in a world marked by discouragement. Inspired by the Gospel, the SVDs strive to help people rediscover the meaning of life in God and in community. As Father General noted, “To announce the Gospel is to help rediscover hope.”

The 150th anniversary of the SVD not only celebrates its rich history, but also reaffirms its commitment to be light and hope in an ever-changing world.

GMD

(You can listen to this interview in the Portuguese section of Radio Vatican by clicking on the icon below.)