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Thanksgiving Mass in Tirol celebrating 150 years of the Congregation and 130 years in Brazil.

SVD Celebrates 150 Years of Mission, 130 Years in Brazil with Mass in Santa Leopoldina

Rafael Plato, SVD

Santa Leopoldina, ES – September 8, 2025 – The Congregation of the Divine Word (SVD) celebrated two historic milestones with a solemn Mass of thanksgiving at the Divine Holy Spirit community in Tirol: the 150th anniversary of the Congregation’s foundation and the 130th anniversary of its presence in Brazil.

The choice of Tirol carried special meaning. It was here, in March 1895, that two German missionaries—Fr. Francisco Tollinger, SVD, and Fr. Francisco Dold, SVD—began the SVD’s mission in Brazil. Today, the community belongs to the Parish of the Divine Holy Spirit in Santa Leopoldina, part of the Archdiocese of Vitória.

The Mass was presided over by Fr. Leonardus Gade, SVD, from Indonesia, Coordinator of the Brazil Subzone and BRA Region. Concelebrating with him were the three Provincials: Fr. Denzil Crasta (BRN, India), Fr. Cireneu Kuhn (BRC, Brazil), and Fr. Paulus K. Tolang (BRS, Indonesia), along with some 170 priests and brothers representing 27 nationalities who currently serve across Brazil.

Around 2,000 faithful attended the celebration, joined by pilgrims from various states including Minas Gerais, Rio de Janeiro, Paraná, São Paulo, Bahia, Amazonas, Pará, the Northeast, and the Federal District. Local authorities were also present. The gathering became a vibrant witness of faith, communion, and gratitude.

Hospitality marked the occasion, as parishioners of the Divine Holy Spirit community offered breakfast before the liturgy and a festive lunch afterward to all participants.

The day was described as one of remembrance and renewal, a joyful expression of gratitude for the missionary journey of the Divine Word in Brazil.

“May the light of the Word always enlighten us,” the organizers expressed, thanking the local community for their warm welcome and steadfast support of the mission.

Nearly 2,000 faithful gathered to mark 150 years of the SVD and 130 years in Brazil.
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