Society
Of The Divine Word

The liturgical celebration commenced with an opening prayer at the Grotto of Mother Mary, where the novices and the faithful gathered invoked the intercession and blessings of the Blessed Virgin. The solemn Eucharistic celebration was presided over by His Lordship Most Rev. Thomas Mathew, Bishop of Indore, and attended by Fr. Rethinam Maria Paulraj SVD, Provincial Superior of India Central Province, who formally received the vows of the novices.

The event drew a large and vibrant congregation that included SVD confreres from across various provinces, diocesan priests, men and women religious, and numerous SVD lay partners. The atmosphere was one of deep joy, reverence, and communal support.

Fr. Godwin Vegas SVD, the Novice Master, opened the ceremony with a warm and heartfelt welcome to all the attendees. In his introductory words, he emphasized the significance of the day—not only for the novices but for the entire SVD family and the Church at large.

In his homily, Bishop Thomas Mathew underscored the profound importance of the occasion. “This is not just a joyful celebration for the SVD congregation but a moment of grace and hope for the universal Church,” he remarked. Reflecting on the theme “Being a Creative and Faithful Disciple in a Wounded World,” the bishop reminded the congregation of the growing need for Christ’s light in today’s wounded world. “The world today needs many lights—those who will reflect the Light of Christ,” he said.

“Today’s world may seem wounded and fragmented, but it is precisely here that Christ calls us to be His light,” the bishop affirmed. “You, my dear brothers, are that light—not by your own strength, but by reflecting the Light of Christ that dwells in you.”

He also highlighted the exemplary service of SVD missionaries from Madhya Pradesh who are carrying out their mission abroad. “Their commitment and dedication are a testimony to the global missionary spirit of the Society,” he added.

In the concluding remarks, the bishop offered words of encouragement and spiritual challenge to the novices: “You are not just joining a congregation. You are entering into the mission of Jesus Christ. Be faithful, yes—but also be daring. Let your vows not become a shelter from the world, but a light within it. Let your lives speak louder than your words. And above all, remember that the wounded world needs healers—not with bandages, but with the balm of love, mercy, and truth.”

Following the homily, the 28 novices, in a moving and solemn rite, pronounced their first vows of poverty, chastity, and obedience. Fr. Rethinam Maria Paulraj received their vows on behalf of the congregation. Each novice was presented with cross and the constitution as a symbol of his new identity as a vowed religious—an outward sign of their inward commitment to live for Christ and His mission.

Fr. Rethinam Maria Paulraj SVD thanked all who had contributed to the formation of the novices and the successful organization of the event. “This is a moment of deep gratitude—to God, to the families of these young men, to the formators, and to every member of the Society who has walked with them on this journey,” he said. He emphasized that the vows were not an end, but a new beginning. “Their profession marks the start of a lifelong mission—carrying the Word to the ends of the earth.”

The newly professed were visibly moved by the occasion. In a brief address on behalf of the group, Frt. Martis Emmanuel expressed heartfelt thanks to their formators, the SVD community, confessors, retreat preachers, kitchen staff, and their families for their unwavering support and prayers. “Today, we commit ourselves to be disciples of the Divine Word, to go wherever we are sent, and to serve wherever we are needed,” he said.

As the Church continues to face numerous challenges in a rapidly changing world, the first profession of these 28 young men stands as a powerful witness to the enduring relevance of religious life and missionary zeal. The event not only marked the beginning of a new chapter in the lives of the newly professed but also served as a powerful reminder of the enduring legacy of the Society of the Divine Word as it celebrates 150 years of missionary commitment and service to the world.