150th Anniversary Celebration of SVD at the Basilica of Cartago, Costa Rica

Samuel Wekin, SVD

On June 16, in an atmosphere filled with faith, gratitude, and communion, the Divine Word Missionaries of the CAM Region in Costa Rica celebrated the 150th anniversary of the foundation of the Society of the Divine Word, as well as 20 years of missionary presence on Costa Rican soil. The Basilica of Our Lady of the Angels in Cartago was the chosen venue for this solemn celebration, rich in spiritual symbolism and pastoral commitment.

The Eucharist was presided over by Fr. Mateo Yeng, SVD, CAM Regional Superior, and concelebrated by several Divine Word Missionaries and priests who are friends of the mission. At 11:00 a.m., the Basilica’s bells marked the beginning of a festive Mass, which brought together SVD families, pilgrims visiting the Marian shrine, and lay faithful who joyfully joined in this meaningful occasion.

The homily was delivered by Fr. Francisco Filar, SVD, who, with pastoral wisdom, recalled the journey of the Congregation from its origins with Saint Arnold Janssen to its missionary expansion around the world, with special emphasis on its presence in Central America and particularly the fruits sown in Costa Rica over the past two decades.

Currently, nine Divine Word Missionaries serve in Costa Rica, dedicated to evangelization, spiritual accompaniment, and pastoral action in various communities across the country. Their simple and persevering presence has left a deep impact on the hearts of many, bearing witness through their lives to the love and mercy of the Word made flesh.

A key aspect of the mission in Costa Rica is the Divine Word Bookstore, located in Liberia, Guanacaste. Through Bibles, books, and pastoral formation, it has become a space for evangelization and encounter with the Word, strengthening the faith of communities, pastoral agents, and committed laypeople.

The celebration at the Basilica was not only an act of grateful remembrance, but also an opportunity to renew commitment to the mission, fully aware that the Word of God still needs to be proclaimed wherever there is pain, searching, or need for hope.

United with the rest of the world, the Divine Word Missionaries in Costa Rica reaffirmed their missionary vocation, remembering that the mission continues wherever there are hearts willing to listen and hands ready to serve.

“Many faces, one heart” — a congregation at the service of the Gospel, in the spirit of Saint Arnold.

Amid songs of praise and a spirit of communion, the faithful gathered at the Basilica of Cartago to join the Divine Word Missionaries in celebrating 150 years of the SVD and two decades of mission in Costa Rica.

The Divine Word Missionaries in Costa Rica celebrated the 150th anniversary of the SVD and 20 years of mission in the country with a solemn Eucharist at the Basilica of Our Lady of the Angels in Cartago, gathering the faithful in gratitude and renewed missionary spirit.