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SVD and SSpS Lead “Steyler Week” for Students in Bischofshofen
Ursula Mauritz
“Pilgrims of Hope – Walking Courageously and United into the Future” was the theme of this year’s “Steyler Week” at the St. Rupert Missionary Private High School in Bischofshofen. From February 2 to 6, 2026, a team of Missionary Sisters Servants of the Holy Spirit and Divine Word Missionaries from different continents organized a varied program for the students. “
The Steyler team in St. Rupert consisted of Sr. Lucia Budau SSpS and Sr. Serafin Bona SSpS. In addition to Fr. Richard Cardozo, the Divine Word Missionaries included Fr. Paulus Sujianto SVD, Fr. Francis Bakilatob SVD, Fr. Wilfred Bilung SVD, Fr. Delfor Nerenberg SVD, Fr. Saverius Susanto SVD, Fr. Peter Wilson Wilfred, Fr. Gerard Kadimasi, Fr. Klaus Laireiter.
During workshops with lower and upper school classes, the students had the opportunity to meet the SVDs und SSpS personally and learn about their backgrounds and daily work. Together with the missionaries, the girls and boys explored the themes of “hope and courage.” Games, dances, and songs made for interesting and lively lessons.
On Thursday, General Visitor Fr. Yulius Yasinto SVD accompanied the Divine Word Missionaries and Missionary Sisters to the classrooms to talk with the young people. He was impressed and delighted by the great commitment of his confreres in preparing and implementing the “Steyler Week.”
There was a special program item for the 7th grade classes: Under the motto “The World is Small – Stay Connected,” the students had the opportunity to hear the inspiring life stories and vocation stories of three Divine Word Missionaries and two Missionary Sisters Servants of the Holy Spirit.
On Thursday evening, a festive service was held in St. Rupert’s Church in honor of the Steyler saints Arnold Janssen and Josef Freinademetz, to which believers from the surrounding parishes were also invited. The “Steyler Week” concluded on Friday with a solemn closing service with the school community. Provincial Father Christian Stranz and General Visitor Father Yulius Yasinto celebrated Holy Mass, which was accompanied by music performed by Steyler Sisters and missionaries.
“A heartfelt thank you to my Steyler sisters and brothers for their commitment and contribution. Teamwork played a key role in shaping Steyler Week. Special thanks also go to our school principal Franz Saller and religion teacher Peter Erber for their support,” emphasizes organizer Fr. Richard Cardozo.
