- svd-prms
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- December 9, 2024
Celebration of the Immaculate Conception: A Global Tribute to Mary in the SVD Jubilee
On December 8, 2024, during the Solemnity of the Immaculate Conception and the launch of the jubilee marking 150 years of the Congregation of the Divine Word, a deeply significant ceremony was held at the Generalate. The presence of the newly appointed cardinals, Ladislav Nemet and Tarcisio Isao Kikuchi, elevated the event, which honored the Marian heritage of the congregation with the blessing of four images of the Virgin Mary. These images represent the four zones where the SVD missionaries carry out their work: Europe, the Americas, Asia-Pacific, and Africa-Madagascar.
Each image, originating from Bali (Indonesia), Kenya, Steyl (Netherlands), and Latin America, symbolizes not only the cultural diversity of the regions they represent but also the universality of the SVD mission. These sculptures pay tribute to Mary, the Mother of the Incarnate Word, who has been a spiritual pillar for the Society since 1875, when St. Arnold Janssen entrusted it to her protection.
The liturgical act renewed this Marian commitment, highlighting Mary as a model of faith, attentive listening, and missionary action. Under the jubilee theme, “Witnesses of the Light: Everywhere and for Everyone,” the event marked a new chapter in the history of the SVDs, reinforcing their missionary identity and global unity in service to the Gospel.
The blessing of these images serves as a tangible reminder of the Church’s universal call to be a light in a wounded world, guided by the maternal presence of Mary.
