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Brazil Celebrates 150 Years of SVD Foundation and 130 Years of Missionary Presence
Osei Tutu Asante, SVD
The celebration brought together a wide representation of the Arnaldus family, including SVD bishops, confreres from the three Brazilian provinces and the Amazon Region, missionary sisters of the Servants of the Holy Spirit (SSpS) from northern and southern provinces, seminarians, lay partners in mission, parishioners from SVD-run communities, and faithful from across the country. Together, they gave thanks for the journey so far and renewed their commitment to the SVD’s missionary vocation.
A Day of Joy, Culture, and Missionary Spirit
The celebration opened with a warm welcome, prayer, and vibrant cultural performances that reflected the SVD’s intercultural identity and joy-filled mission.
Cultural Expressions
The morning featured colorful presentations from across Brazil and the wider SVD family:
- Music and dance by the IAM (Infância e Adolescência Missionária) youth group from Brasília (BRN);
- A joyful performance by the Parish of São Marcos (BRC);
- Songs and dances from Indonesian confreres and sisters in the Subzone;
- A theatrical enactment about the beginnings of the SVD, performed by lay partners from Brazil South (BRS);
- The traditional Bumba-meu-boi dance from the District of Humaitá
Reflections on Mission
In a heartfelt video message to the Arnaldus Family in Brazil, Superior General Anselmo Ribeiro, SVD, joined in the celebration of two major milestones: the 150th anniversary of the founding of the Society of the Divine Word and the 130 years of its missionary presence in Brazil.
Fr. Anselmo highlighted the importance of this Jubilee as a time for joy, gratitude, reflection, and renewed commitment to mission. Reflecting on the legacy of St. Arnold Janssen, he reminded us: “These two anniversaries together remind us that we are part of a story much greater than ourselves—a story of faith, courage, and perseverance in the mission.”
He acknowledged the many sacrifices made by missionaries throughout history-some sowing seeds without seeing the harvest – and expressed deep gratitude for the enduring witness of confreres and mission partners across Brazil. He emphasized that the mission continues today in the face of real challenges, such as poverty, inequality, and social polarization, which affect many communities. “Our calling, as missionaries of the Divine Word, is to be close to these realities-not with quick answers or distant words, but with attentive hearts and concrete actions that bring hope.”
Fr. Anselmo also entrusted the missionary work of the Society to Our Lady Aparecida, inviting all to pray especially for new vocations – missionary brothers, sisters, priests, and lay collaborators – who will carry the light of the Word into the future.
His message closed with a prayerful encouragement for all:
“May this Jubilee renew your strength and hope as a missionary family. May the light of the Word guide you in all things, so that others may find Christ through you.”
Artistic and Spiritual Contributions
Creative offerings added beauty and depth to the celebration:
- Poetic readings by Ir. Nelson Antonio and Gil Miranda
- Music performance by the Parish of São Paulo Apóstolo (BRC)
- Music and dance by the African confreres in the Subzone
- Carimbó dance from the Amazon Region (BRA)
Pilgrimage to the Sanctuary
As pilgrims journeyed on foot to the National Shrine, the act became more than a walk—it became a living sign of the SVD’s ongoing mission: rooted in history, moving forward in hope. Each step echoed the footsteps of missionaries past and present who said yes to God’s call across 130 years of presence in Brazil.
Solemn Eucharist: The Heart of the Celebration
The centerpiece of the day was the commemorative Mass at 12:00 PM, presided over by Dom Norberto Foerster, SVD, Bishop of Ji-Paraná. Concelebrants included: Dom João Batista de Oliveira, Bishop of Corumbá; Dom José Luiz Bertanha, Bishop Emeritus of Registro; the three SVD Provincial Superiors in Brazil; the Regional Superior of the Amazon and over 120 priests from across Brazil.
This Eucharistic celebration was a powerful moment of thanksgiving, reflection, and renewed missionary zeal, bringing together the entire SVD family in a spirit of unity and joy.
In his homily, Bishop Norberto spoke with warmth and spiritual depth, addressing both Brazilian and international participants. He began by invoking the spirit of the Apostle Paul, wishing grace and peace on all gathered, and praising God with deep joy: “We have thought, chosen, and decided to be here today—united and grateful – coming from all corners of Brazil and also from French Guiana. We bring with us the spirit of discipleship and mission. We carry the marks of the past, harvest the fruits of the present, and nourish the hope of the future.”
Standing in the sacred space of the National Shrine of Our Lady of Aparecida, the bishop invited reflection on the encounter between Mary and Elizabeth, quoting: “My soul magnifies the Lord! For He has done great things!” He explained that these great things are the signs of the Spirit alive across diverse communities: “We are called to recognize the signs of the Spirit in our communities, in the marocas (gatherings), in our families, institutions, urban centers and complex peripheries, in the isolated communities, in the countryside, in the forests, in the backlands, and in remote regions. We are in a permanent state of mission.”
Bishop Norberto recalled the legacy of Saint Arnold Janssen and the missionary courage passed down through generations, urging the assembly: “Let us continue to be faithful and creative disciples in this wonderful and challenging world.”
He honored Saint Joseph Freinademetz, the SVD martyrs, and the many lay martyrs of Brazil and French Guiana. He closed his homily with an inspiring image of fishermen: “Like the fishermen of the Sea of Galilee, and the three fishermen of the Paraíba River in this blessed city, may we continue to cast the nets of our mission. Let us prepare the bait, the hooks, the lines—with hope, love, and faith.” “May the Word continue to dwell among us, and may one day, our tent be joined with the Word in eternity.”
A Legacy of Faith and Service in Brazil
The SVD first arrived in Brazil on March 12, 1895, when Fr. Francis Tollinger and Fr. Francis Dold landed in Vitória, Espírito Santo, to minister to German and Austrian immigrants. The first Mass was celebrated just days later, on March 19, in the village of Tirol, marking the beginning of SVD missionary activity in the country.
From these humble roots, the mission has grown remarkably. Today, the SVD serves in 15 of Brazil’s 26 states and the Federal District, through four provinces: Brazil North (1895);Brazil South (1940); Brazil Central (1968) and Amazon Region (1990).
More than 200 priests and brothers are currently involved in pastoral ministry, education, formation, biblical apostolate, communication, Indigenous and Afro-Brazilian outreach, environmental advocacy, and social justice ministries. Their work spans rural and urban parishes, including outreach to the landless, the poor, the unemployed, street dwellers, and marginalized communities.
Continuing the Mission: Faith, Dialogue, and Service
Reflecting on the significance of the celebration, many participants expressed gratitude and renewed purpose. Aparecido Raimundo de Souza, a lay partner in mission, shared: “Being part of this celebration inspires me to live the SVD mission fully, carrying forward the charism of intercultural dialogue and service.”
Over the past 130 years, the SVD in Brazil has not only contributed to the country’s spiritual and religious life but has also played a vital role in education, media, and advocacy for justice. The congregation remains deeply committed to intercultural dialogue, missionary witness, and building bridges across cultures and peoples.
As the SVD looks to the future, this jubilee celebration stands as a powerful reminder of its enduring motto: “May the Heart of Jesus live in the hearts of all people.”
