Society
Of The Divine Word

The course ran from June 28 to August 24 and brought together participants from diverse contexts: Latin America (9), Angola (1), Spain (1), Portugal (2), and Asia (2). All are responsible for formation and vocation animation in their respective provinces.

Participants expressed their joy and enthusiasm throughout the program. The workshop was carefully planned and carried out by the central team in Nemi. Among the themes addressed by the formators and vocation promoters were: Human development and its impact on formation, the Enneagram, personality assessment, vocation animation, safeguarding of minors and vulnerable adults, counseling skills for formation, the influence of AI in formation, SVD formation, spiritual growth, and the spirituality of the formator, of St. Arnold, and of the SVD.

The Jubilee theme “Pilgrims of Hope” inspired the group to see themselves as formators who are both pilgrims and sentinels. This led them to live the experience as a pilgrimage through the most significant places of our spiritual heritage. They visited the family home of St. Joseph Freinademetz in Oies, Brixen—the place of his studies and ordination—and then Steyl, our motherhouse, where it all began. There, they reconnected with the Founding Generation, where the first seed was planted and solid foundations were laid. With grateful memory, they recalled all those who were pillars in the early days, including countless lay men and women whose generosity sustained the missionary work of the SVD.

The formators also visited the birthplace of Mother Josefa Stenmanns and the Marian shrine of Our Lady of Sorrows in Kevelaer, near the family home of our founder in Goch. These moments were enriched by encounters with laity and SVD confreres who continue to animate these historic communities today.

The program also emphasized valuing the contribution of the pioneering Brothers who helped establish the missionary house of St. Michael and whose efforts extended the mission worldwide. Likewise, the role of women was highlighted through visits to the first houses of the Missionary Sisters Servants of the Holy Spirit and the Sisters Servants of Perpetual Adoration. These visits underscored the shared conviction that the missionary work has always been sustained by the Holy Spirit.

Some formators also shared personal testimonies of the experience:

“I was able to contemplate once again, with new eyes, the figure of St. Arnold Janssen, our founder, who was above all a vocation promoter and formator. With creativity and courage, he used the means of his time to awaken vocations and accompany them with patience. From him we learn to let ourselves be guided by the Holy Spirit, to trust in Providence, and to always walk in the way of Jesus.

The course was enriched by pilgrimages to emblematic places of our missionary spirituality. Walking through Nemi, Rome, Assisi, Brixen, Oies, Steyl, Goch, and Issum was like walking through the living history of our Congregation.

In Assisi, the simplicity of St. Francis reminded me of the transformative power of evangelical poverty. In Oies, visiting the birthplace of St. Joseph Freinademetz, I felt the humility of a missionary who knew how to love another people deeply. In Goch, at the baptismal font where St. Arnold was baptized, I understood the beginning of his journey of faith. In Issum, the birthplace parish of Mother Josefa Stenmanns, I discovered the deep and simple roots of our foundational spirituality. Finally, in Steyl, learning more about the work of St. Arnold, I confirmed that he was truly a formator and vocation promoter, always attentive to the voice of the Holy Spirit.” (Antonio Musonda, SVD)

As the formators continue along this synodal path, they are called to take steps in communion, participation, and mission—listening actively to the Spirit as a fundamental element for the life of intercultural communities. To be missionary communities living interculturality is to become a sign of peace and unity in a wounded world.

We give thanks to the organizers of the course: Fr. Samy, Thomas, and Carlos; together with the Spirituality Team: M. Cristina and Enrique, and all the professors who continue to help us grow, drawing from the sources of our spirituality.