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SVD India Central Province Marks 150 Years with Grand Jubilee Celebration in Indore
Anthony Swamy, SVD
The solemn Holy Eucharist was presided over by Most Rev. A.A.S. Durairaj, SVD, Archbishop of Bhopal, and concelebrated by a distinguished group of bishops: Most Rev. Leo Cornelio, Archbishop Emeritus of Bhopal; Most Rev. Devprasad Ganawa, SVD, Bishop of Udaipur; Most Rev. Thomas Mathew, Bishop of Indore; Most Rev. Augustine, Bishop of Khandwa; and Most Rev. Peter Kharadi, Bishop of Jhabua.
With over 800 participants—including priests, religious sisters, SVD Lay Partners, and friends of the congregation—the celebration became a truly historic occasion for the missionary family founded by St. Arnold Janssen.
The festivities opened with a colorful column dance procession, setting a tone of cultural pride and joy. Fr. Rethinam Maria Paulraj, SVD, Provincial Superior, welcomed the assembly and invited everyone to journey together in gratitude for 150 years of SVD mission. A documentary film on the congregation’s history and missionary impact was shown, offering participants an inspiring glimpse into the SVD legacy of service.
In his homily, Bishop Devprasad Ganawa, SVD, reflected on the history of the congregation and its profound influence on the Church in India. He reminded the faithful that “the SVDs are not only called to preach the Divine Word but to live the love of God.”
Other bishops added their reflections:
- Bishop Augustine praised the SVDs for strengthening the Church in Nimar.
- Bishop Thomas Mathew recalled his formative years with the SVDs that helped shape his episcopal vocation.
- Bishop Peter Kharadi expressed gratitude for the congregation’s pioneering role in the Bhil Church and its dedication to education among tribal communities.
The celebration also featured a dance drama performed by students of St. Arnold’s School, highlighting the story of the SVD pioneers in India and reconnecting participants with their missionary roots.
Leaders of other congregations joined in the thanksgiving. Sr. Roshan, Superior General of the FSMA; Sr. Treesa of the SSpS; and Fr. Kasmir Nema, SVD, General Coordinator for Communication, all offered warm congratulations and recognized the SVDs’ enduring commitment to evangelization, education, and social transformation.
The jubilee celebration not only honored the rich legacy of the SVD in Central India but also renewed the congregation’s missionary zeal to carry forward the charism of St. Arnold Janssen into the future, continuing to serve “from everywhere to everyone.”
