Society
Of The Divine Word

A Celebration of Missionary Commitment
During the solemn Eucharistic celebration, Fr. Marian Schwark, SVD, provincial superior of the Togo–Benin Province, who is also celebrating his golden jubilee as a priest and missionary in Togo, presented missionary crosses to the three new SVD priests: Frederic Ayarma, SVD, Charles-Boris Kponouglo, SVD, and DieuDonné Batch, SVD.

Fr. Schwark, in his message, expressed deep gratitude for the gift of missionary vocations, emphasizing that the joy of the Gospel continues to bear fruit in Africa. The entire Arnoldus Family—SVD, SSpS, and SSpSAP—joined in thanksgiving, recognizing this as a sign of God’s enduring call to mission in Togo and Benin.

Unity in Diversity
The gathering once again highlighted the unity of the three congregations founded by St. Arnold Janssen. Though each has a distinct mission, all share one charism—the proclamation of the Divine Word. The presence of the Missionary Sisters Servants of the Holy Spirit and the Sisters Servants of the Holy Spirit of Perpetual Adoration, together with the Divine Word Missionaries, gave powerful witness to the richness of the Arnoldus spiritual family.

This unity, rooted in diversity, strengthens the Church’s missionary witness and deepens fraternal collaboration among men and women religious. The celebration became a tangible sign that the mission of the Church is lived and carried forward as one family in the Spirit of the Divine Word.