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Mission Display Inaugurated at Collegio Verbo Divino in Rome as Part of SVD’s 150th Jubilee Celebration
GMD
The ceremony began with Fr. Richard Quadros, coordinator of the SVD’s Justice, Peace and Integrity of Creation (JPIC) ministry, together with confreres from the Collegio, leading the community in a reflection on the meaning of the Mission Exhibit. “This Jubilee Plaque connects us to our roots, inspires us with the creativity and resilience of those who went before us, and marks the continuation of the legacy of our Founder to further God’s mission entrusted to us,” he said.
Fr. Henry Barlage, Superior General of the Divine Word Missionaries from 1988 to 2000, then unveiled the Jubilee Plaque.
The Mission Exhibit narrates the Society’s journey from its humble beginnings in Steyl, the Netherlands, to its expansion ad gentes and its dialogue with cultures inter gentes. The artifacts on display — paintings, liturgical vessels, statues, and other objects — bear witness to how Divine Word missionaries responded not only to spiritual needs but also to social, educational, and medical challenges.
Superior General Fr. Anselmo Ribeiro, SVD, formally inaugurated and blessed the Mission Display. Emphasizing its contemporary relevance, he said: “This display bridges generations, deepens our sense of identity, inspires renewed commitment, and projects a vision for tomorrow. For the Society of the Divine Word, such a witness renews our call to be sent forth, to dwell among God’s people, and to embody the Incarnate Word in our midst.” He then cut the ribbon to officially open the exhibition.
The proclamation of the Divine Word followed, with John 1:1–8 read in Spanish and the Prayer of the Faithful offered in Italian. The prayers remembered missionaries past and present, the Missionary Sisters Servants of the Holy Spirit (SSpS), the Sisters Servants of the Holy Spirit of Perpetual Adoration (SSpSAP), lay partners, benefactors, and vocation promoters.
In his concluding blessing, Fr. Ribeiro prayed: “In this Jubilee year, we give thanks for your Word, which became flesh to dwell among us. Bless this Mission Exhibit, so that it may proclaim the story of your faithfulness over 150 years of the Society of the Divine Word.”
The community also expressed gratitude to all who contributed to the realization of the Mission Display. Thanks were extended to the organizing committee — Mark Ramos, Damien Bakoma, Roland Scheid, Jerzy Skrabania, Stanislaus Lazar, and Carlos Ferrada (the first president of the committee); to the communities that donated or loaned artifacts, including San Gabriele (ECP), San Michele (Steyl–GER), Nemi, Spain, and the Philippines; and to several provinces that sent contributions for the exhibition. Special appreciation was given to the rector and council of the Collegio for hosting the display, as well as to Mr. Roberto Troiani, his collaborators, and others involved in its design and execution.
The Mission Exhibit at Collegio Verbo Divino will remain open to visitors. Designed not only as a historical showcase but also as a source of inspiration, it seeks to help the community walk together as pilgrims and brothers, sowers of hope in the vulnerabilities of our time, and to encourage new generations to embrace the missionary vocation in today’s world — through both traditional witness and modern means, including digital media.
