Meeting of the Provincials of the SVD European Zone in Steyl

Franz Helm, SVD,
Zonal Coordinator

Ten Provincial Superiors from across Europe took part in the recent meeting of the SVD EUROPA Zone, held from October 5 to 10, 2025, at the Society’s founding house in Steyl. Participants included representatives from the German, Dutch-Belgian, Irish-British, Italian, Polish, Portuguese, Spanish, Slovak, Hungarian, and Central European Provinces, as well as the Rector of the SVD College in Rome, the Vice Superior General, Fr. Xavier Thirukudumbam SVD, the Zonal Coordinator, Fr. Franz Helm SVD, and Sr. Maria Theresia Hörnemann SSpS, representing the Holy Spirit Missionary Sisters in Europe. Unfortunately, the delegate from Russia was unable to attend due to visa difficulties.

The gathering, hosted by Fr. Peter Claver Narh SVD, Provincial of the German Province, was organized in commemoration of the 150th Jubilee of the Society of the Divine Word.
The afternoons were devoted to exploring recent developments in Steyl. The Provincials were particularly impressed by the many local initiatives through which foundations and volunteers are creatively restoring, maintaining, and revitalizing the historical heritage of the Society’s birthplace. One afternoon was dedicated to visiting the Holy Spirit Adoration Sisters and the Missionary Sisters Servants of the Holy Spirit, while another was spent exploring the chapels and memorial sites associated with the life and legacy of St. Arnold Janssen.

The group also celebrated the Eucharist with the community of St. Michael’s House and enjoyed an evening of fellowship with the confreres. The program included a visit to Goch, the birthplace of St. Arnold Janssen, where Fr. Hans Peters SVD warmly welcomed the guests, and a pilgrimage to the Marian shrine of Kevelaer.

During the morning sessions, the Provincials discussed key topics and current challenges facing the European Zone, including the preservation of historical heritage, inter-provincial collaboration—especially in welcoming and accompanying new missionaries arriving from other continents—and the implementation of the resolutions from the last General Chapter.
The reflections began with a presentation by Fr. Jürgen Ommerborn SVD on the development of St. Arnold Janssen’s understanding of mission. Each day, participants paused for a moment of silent prayer at the tomb of the Founder in the lower church at noon, grounding their discussions in gratitude and faith.

The European Provincials’ Meeting, marked by an atmosphere of fraternity and openness, deepened the sense of shared responsibility for the mission of the Divine Word Missionaries in today’s Europe. It also renewed the participants’ commitment to work together—across provinces and cultures—to carry forward the spirit of St. Arnold Janssen in the service of the Gospel.